However, men tend to find it especially difficult to express and share their feelings. Sometimes men fall into a trap where we think it’s a sign of weakness to ask for help. So when they’re stressed, discouraged, lonely, or sad, they try to keep their struggles hidden and are reluctant to ask for help. Psychologist Gregg Henriques writes that traditional masculine role socialization guides many men into ways of being such that their masculine identity conflicts with many emotions they feel and what they feel they are “allowed” to express (i.e., they will be shamed and will feel as if they are “not real men” if they express feelings of vulnerability, dependency needs, weakness, etc.).

However, that’s not God’s plan. Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” God wants us to care for others—and allow others to care for us in our time of need. Our Stephen Ministers are trained caregivers who will walk with you, listen to you, and provide confidential, one-to-one care as you search through the pieces and find what is truly in your heart. 

For more information about Stephen Ministry, you can go to www.stephenministries.org or just look for one of our members with a blue name tag.  If you would like the care of a Stephen Minister, please call Laura Eichner (women) 512- 656-4372 or Ernie Klatt (men) 512-569-6881.