A compass points true north.  From that we get our bearings.  So, no matter which way we choose to travel, a compass helps us stay on our path.  Often, we hear talk about having a "moral compass" where our core values can drive our actions and relationships in all aspects of life -- our faith, work, family, even politics.  The Caregiver's Compass expresses those core values for the Stephen Minister and works well for anyone who wants those values infused into their life journey.

CHRIST-CENTERED:
At the center of the compass is the Chi Rho, letters "X" (pronounced "key") and "P" (pronounced "row"), the first two letters of the Greek word Christos, meaning "Christ" or "Messiah."

By working at keeping Christ at the center of their lives, Stephen Ministers are more able to bring God's love to others and to depend on the Holy Spirit to work in and through them and the relationship with their care receivers.

The four points of the compass remind Stephen Ministers that care givers should be trustworthy, compassionate, full of faith, and skilled.

Trustworthy:  The Stephen Minister shows up, follows through, and demonstrates they are worthy of trust in their confidentiality.  They stand by their care receivers.

Compassionate:  The Stephen Minister listens without judgment, without preconceived notions about what "should be" or "needs to be" done.  They share their care receiver's pain and help them bear it.

Full of Faith:  The Stephen Minister is the care giver, yet God is the cure giver.  They are hopeful, optimistic and confident bringing Christ's care into the relationship.

Skilled:  The Stephen Minister is trained in listening, communicating, dealing with feelings, maintaining confidentiality and boundaries.  Each month, the assigned Stephen Ministers attend a supervision session.