Stephen MinistryWhat is Stephen Ministry?

Stephen Ministers are trained congregation members who provide one-to-one Christian care to people experiencing difficult life circumstances. This confidential ministry offers emotional and spiritual support during times of crisis or challenge, walking alongside those who are hurting.

Founded on Christ's command to love one another, Stephen Ministry equips lay people to provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care. Through dedicated training and ongoing supervision, Stephen Ministers learn to listen, empathize, and offer the healing presence that many need during life's darkest moments.

Who Stephen Ministers Serve

Stephen Ministers provide care for people experiencing many different types of crises or challenges, including:

  • Grief and loss
  • Loneliness and isolation
  • Divorce or separation
  • Hospitalization or recovery
  • Terminal illness
  • Disability or chronic illness
  • Job loss or career transition
  • Spiritual crisis
  • Family difficulties
  • Elder care challenges

Stephen Ministry is designed for people going through tough times who could benefit from the support of a caring Christian friend. When life becomes overwhelming, having someone to listen without judgment can make all the difference.

Our Stephen Ministers

Our Stephen Ministers are congregation members who feel called to provide care ministry. Each minister undergoes 50+ hours of specialized training in Christian caregiving skills, including:

  • Effective listening
  • Maintaining confidentiality
  • Crisis response
  • Recognizing boundaries
  • Applying Christian principles to caregiving
  • Knowing when and how to refer to professional help

Ministers meet regularly with Stephen Leaders for supervision and continuing education, ensuring they provide the highest quality of care. All care relationships remain strictly confidential - what is discussed between a Stephen Minister and care receiver stays private.

How the Ministry Works

Stephen Ministry follows a simple but powerful model:

  1. Referral - Care receivers come through pastor recommendations, self-referrals, or suggestions from friends or family
  2. Connection - Stephen Leaders match care receivers with appropriate Stephen Ministers
  3. Relationship - The Stephen Minister meets weekly with their care receiver for about an hour
  4. Duration - Caring relationships last as long as needed, from a few weeks to several years

Stephen Ministers don't attempt to solve problems. Instead, they provide a consistent, caring presence that allows care receivers to talk openly about their struggles while experiencing Christ's love through a supportive relationship.

Become a Stephen Minister

Serving as a Stephen Minister is a rewarding opportunity to make a significant difference in someone's life. The experience helps others and often leads to personal growth and deeper faith for the minister.

To become a Stephen Minister, you must:

  • Be a committed Christian
  • Complete the full training program
  • Commit to at least two years of service
  • Participate in ongoing supervision and continuing education
  • Maintain strict confidentiality

If you feel called to this ministry of compassionate care, contact our Stephen Leaders to learn about upcoming training opportunities.

Receive Care from a Stephen Minister

If you or someone you know is facing a difficult time, a Stephen Minister may be able to help. Stephen Ministers provide care for:

  • Church members
  • Their families and friends
  • People in the broader community

The process begins with a confidential conversation with a pastor or Stephen Leader who can determine if Stephen Ministry is appropriate for your situation.

Remember, requesting a Stephen Minister doesn't mean you've failed; it means you're taking an important step toward healing and growth.

"Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2