Caring Ministries
Find comfort and support
Our Caring Ministries team is here to walk with you as you celebrate the momentous occasions, struggle through challenges or grieve losses. No matter what you and your family are facing, we are here for you.
Counselors
Caring, biblically based therapy
The Associate Pastor of Family Ministries is available for counseling by appointment, along with another in-house counselor. We also offer recommendations to other Christian counselors in our community.
Stephen Ministers
Spiritual companionship in times of crisis
Stephen Ministers are lay congregation members trained to provide one-to-one care to those experiencing a difficult time in life such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness or relocation.
Stephen Ministers come from all walks of life, but they share a passion for bringing Christ’s love and care to people during a time of need.
Potential Care Receivers first meet with a pastor or Stephen Ministry leader who assesses their needs for care and then matches them with a Stephen Minister. The caring relationship lasts for as long as the need persists, and is highly confidential.
Stephen Minister training is a Christ-centered experience that equips participants with essential caring and relating skills. Trainees learn how to listen to, care for and walk with those going through difficult times in life.
If you are experiencing difficulty in your life and would like more information about Stephen Ministry, or about training to become a Stephen Minister, please contact Adult Ministries at 815-877-7046.
Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2
One Stephen Ministry story
GriefShare
Help during a season of loss
GriefShare is a friendly, loving and caring support group of people who will walk alongside you through the grieving process. We offer GriefShare in two 13-week sessions each year, beginning in February and September for two hours on Saturday mornings. Through video teaching and discussion groups, you will learn valuable principles about grief, to help you walk from mourning into joy.
HOSPITAL VISITS
Pastoral and ministry staff members visit patients in the Rockford area hospitals. To request a visit, you or a family member needs to contact our Caring Ministries office when you are hospitalized, or transferred to a rehabilitation facility or a nursing home. Call the main office at 815-877-7046 or click the link below to email us.
SHUT-INS
Men’s Visitation Team | Our team of three men faithfully visits shut-in men from First Free in their homes, nursing homes or rehabilitation centers. They bring encouragement, Scripture, and prayer to men who are unable to participate with our church body.
Deaconesses | The Deaconesses visit women from First Free who are in the hospital. They also visit shut-in women in their homes, nursing homes or rehabilitation centers. Deaconesses also coordinate meals in conjunction with funerals at First Free.
FUNERALS
Caring Ministries is available to assist you in guiding and coordinating the various aspects of the Memorial Service for your loved one. We work in cooperation with several other First Free ministries, seeking to serve you in this time of sorrow and loss.
