Stephen Ministry is the one-to-one lay caring ministry that takes place in congregations that use the Stephen Series system. Stephen Ministry congregations equip and empower lay caregivers—called Stephen Ministers—to provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to people who are hurting.
What Is Stephen Ministry?
Our congregation’s Stephen Ministry equips lay people to provide one-to-one Christian care to people in our congregation and community who are experiencing difficulties in their lives.
Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry. The identity of those receiving care and everything they discuss with a Stephen Minister remain private.
A Stephen Minister Is . . .
• A child of God who walks beside someone who is hurting.
• A congregat ion member who is careful ly se le ct ed to serve in this role because of his or her caregiving gif t s.
• A layperson with 50 hours of training in providing high-quality, distinctively Christian care.
• A caring Chr isti an friend who listens, cares, prays, suppor ts, and encourages.
• Someone who meets faithfully each week with his or her care receiver for as long as there’s a need.
Stephen Ministers Care for People Facing Tough Times
We all experience challenges in life-times when we could benefit from care and support. Stephen Ministers can provide the emotional and spiritual care we need when faced with a crisis or difficulty such as-
• Loss of a loved one
• Hospitalization
• Divorce or separation
• Loneliness or discouragement
• Spiritual crisis
• Unemployment or a job crisis
• A terminal illness
• Incarceration
• Aging
• Birth, adoption, miscarriage, or infertility
• A chronic illness
• Relocation
• Recovery after an accident or disaster
• Many other life challenges
Stephen Ministry Is Your Ministry
You play an import ant role in our Stephen Ministry. Here’s what you can do:
• Pray for God to bring hope and healing to hur ting people through our Stephen Ministry.
• Accept care from a Stephen Minister during your time of need. God doesn’t expect you to bear your burdens alone.
• Tell a friend, neighbor, coworker,or relative who is hurting about our Ste p hen Ministry.
• If you are a compassionate person and a good listener, prayerfully consider becoming a Stephen Minister.