Paraclete Lay Care Ministry

The paraclete ministry is undergoing redesign at this time.
This information will be updated when more is known. (posted 7/2006)

Paraclete is a New Testament term meaning "to come along side" or "helper" as in Galatians 6:2 and John 14:26. The Biblical basis for what's know as Central's "Paraclete" ministry comes chiefly from 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 where Paul talks about the God of all "comfort." Certainly in a very discomforting world, comfort is one of those rare commodities that you and I long for. The actual Greek word is "para-kaleo" which means to "come along side of." That's where the name "Paraclete" comes from. It reminds us that the essence of the Christian faith is relational: our relationship with God and with other believers. We are in relationship when we come alongside one another both to help carry burdens and celebrate joys - and just to "be" with each other.

The Paraclete Ministry

The Paraclete Laycare Ministry of Central Presbyterian Church can now offer you a wide variety of services and support should the need arise. We are ready and waiting to "come alongside" you in the following areas, and would deem it a privilege before the Lord to glorify Him in this capacity.

The Stephen Series:

The Stephen Series, a non-profit ministry, began in St. Louis in 1975 and is based upon the deacon, Stephen (Acts 6-8). He was commissioned by the Apostles to provide caring ministry and meet needs that the Apostles could not meet alone. In the same way, the Stephen Series helps teach lay leaders Christian caregiving principles in order that the entire congregation can have the joy of seeing anyone who needs care, receive it. There are over 5,000 congregations enrolled worldwide, across 75 denominations, with about 400 new congregations enrolling each year in the Stephen Ministry network. We are privileged as a church to belong to a ministry team that works!

The Stephen Series equips lay ministers to give care to anyone in our congregation who needs support and encouragement through difficult times in their lives. Since 1997 we have "come alongside" 30+ people in our church family who have needed a listening ear with such concerns as depression, marital difficulty, unemployment, illness, hospitalization, loneliness, and spiritual issues. The Stephen Ministers who meet with each CareReceiver have been through 50 hours of specific training in such areas as Listening skills, assertiveness, articulating feelings, Christian caregiving skill s, and the stresses of various circumstances such as illness, shut-ins, old age, suicide, etc. They are then well-equipped to minister to a variety of needs with a compassionate and Godly heart. Training of new Stephen Ministers takes place once a year, from late September through January.

Annual training classes in Christian Caregiving are offered.

Marriage Mentoring:

This is a new ministry that we are offering to couples who are seeking to make a good marriage better! The Scriptures talk about older couples "coming alongside" younger men and women to teach them Godly principles. We have several couples of our congregation who have gone through a brief training in Marriage mentoring, and are now ready to give care to those who are soon-to-be-married, newly married, or couples who are going through transitional times and need loving support. These "seasoned" couples will provide a listening ear, prayer, and Bible study along with Family Life resources to give marriages the specific support they need.

Suffering Alone? Come join us at Grief-Share

Are you (or is someone you know) suffering through:
Infertility? Miscarriage? Stillbirth? Death of an infant?
Hope and support are available, through a new support group that started in November. The group "Grief-Share: Your Journey from Mourning to Joy" is open to believers and non-believers, and will meet one Sunday evening per month. This is an opportunity to share stories, encourage one another, and gather strength. (part of GriefShare - Grief Recovery Support Groups)

If any of these offerings interest you, or if you have any questions about the Paraclete Laycare Ministry, please call the church office (823-6145). You can call after hours to protect your privacy. A call will be returned to you at the soonest available time. We are waiting to "come alongside" you and be Christ's servant of compassion, whatever your need or circumstance.

See also:

• Annual Reports: 1996 / 1997 / 1998 / 1999 / 2000 / 2001 / 2002 / 2003 / 2004
• Centinel Articles - 10/98 - 6/98