COUNSELING & SUPPORT
STEPHEN MINISTRY
Stephen Ministry is a confidential, one-to-one lay caring ministry that will soon be available to members of the Chicago Temple. In one-on-one private sessions, individuals meet with their trained Stephen Minister who bears witness to Christ’s love by companioning them through a challenging life event.
The Stephen Ministry is scriptural based-counseling, but this ministry is offered to all, regardless of religious affiliation. The Stephen Ministry takes its name from Stephen who was chosen by the apostles to provide a caring ministry to those in need (Acts 6). Since the time of the apostles, caring for each other has been considered a tenet of the Christian faith community. Stephen Ministry is based on the principle of “bear(ing) one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, NRSV)
Stephen Ministers receive extensive training and resources before they are certified and matched with a care receiver. Active Stephen Ministers regularly receive ongoing support and continuing education provided by Stephen Leaders, clergy, and counseling professionals.
More than 12,000 congregations in the United States and around the world use the Stephen Ministry program to equip and empower teams of laypeople to provide one-on-one, high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to people who seek ongoing support. For more information about the Stephen Ministry, contact The Reverend Myron McCoy, Marva Andrews, Stephen Leader, and/or explore the links below.
DEPRESSION AND BIPOLAR DISORDER
Living with Depression/Bipolar Disorder:
Every Thursday 6 - 7:30pm
www.dbsaheartofchicago.com
Our mission is to provide hope, health, support, and education to improve the mental well-being of those with mood disorders in the Chicago area. DBSA Heart of Chicago is an affiliate of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA). DBSA is the leading peer-directed national organization focusing on the two most prevalent mental health conditions, depression and bipolar disorder, which together affect more than 21 million Americans.
DBSA meetings provide a drop-in, free and confidential space for those seeking to connect with others and take part in a group support system. It is a great place for people living with mood disorders to regain self-confidence, find emotional support and simply be among people who understand. You are welcome to participate and share, or just come to listen.
Our atmosphere is open-minded, friendly, and non-judgmental. All information discussed is confidential and meetings are led by peers (other people who are recovering from an illness).
This group is for adults (18+) living with mood disorders. Adults of all ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, and religious and cultural backgrounds are welcome. However, to protect privacy and enable people to speak freely, we do not allow casual observers, clinicians, or students to attend our meetings.
We are currently holding hybrid meetings which means there is an option to join the meeting in person, virtually through Google Meet, or through the phone. In-person, virtual and phone participants are combined in the same meeting.
You are not alone. We’ve been there. We can help.
DBSA Heart of Chicago Chapter
Monica Nikel, President
Email: dbsaboard@dbsaheartofchicago.org
Google Voice (call or text): (847) 868-2058
12-STEP PROGRAMS
Some 12-step groups meet regularly at the Temple. Although not sponsored by the church, the groups reflect the church’s efforts to extend its hospitality to those in need. Please consult the individual groups for dates and times.