Our Stephen Ministers provide one-on-one lay pastoral care to: those in hospitals, the terminally ill and their families, the homebound, people moving into or out of our community, those grieving a death or serious loss, those with a job crisis, those in recovery from addiction, the aging and elderly, those with disabilities and their families, separated and divorced persons, households experiencing birth or adoption, those dealing with spiritual struggles, and persons facing other life transitions.

Who are Stephen Ministers?

Stephen Ministers are committed Christian servants who express God’s care through their lives to others, receive 50 hours of foundational instruction in important caregiving skills -- in addition to self study, and are commissioned as Stephen Ministers after completing their initial training.

After commissioning, Stephen Ministers participate in regular supervision and continuing education under the guidance of trained Stephen Leaders. Stephen Leaders are lay persons and pastors who have completed a seven-day intensive national leadership training course and who are commissioned to lead the multiple aspects of Stephen Ministry within our congregation.

Is it confidential?

Stephen Ministry is confidential ministry. Those receiving care can be sure their identity and what goes on in the caring relationship will remain private.

What role do pastors play?

Stephen Ministers work together with our pastors to reach more people with Christian care than pastors can reach by themselves. People who receive care from a Stephen Minister receive intentional and systematic attention, deepen their relationship with the Lord, grow in their desire to participate in Christian community, and come to value ministry from another lay person while continuing contact with the pastor. Sometimes a person will have a Stephen Minister in addition to a relationship with a pastoral counselor or other care professional outside of our Church.

How may I support our Stephen Ministry?

• Pray for the individual Stephen Ministers and Stephen Leaders as they provide Christian care, and for all those who are confidentially receiving care.
• Request to receive the personal gift of Stephen Ministry when you are in need.
• Tell a pastor or a Stephen Leader about someone who might benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister, after obtaining the potential care receiver's permission.
• Tell others in our community about our congregation's Stephen Ministry and the care it provides.
• Consider asking to serve as a Stephen Minister or a Stephen Leader, and advise others you think would be potential candidates to serve to let us know.
  
  Please call the church office for more information (480) 948-0529.