Stephen Ministry

Our congregation’s Stephen Ministry equips lay persons to provide confidential one-to-one Christian care to those who are experiencing all kinds of life needs and circumstances, both in our congregation and community.

Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.– Galatians 6:2 NRSV

Pastors will always be on the front line of care, especially during times of crisis. But there are always many more needs for ongoing, one-to-one care than pastors can effectually meet by themselves.

Stephen Ministry provides a Biblical solution-equipping God’s people for ministry. Gifted lay-people are trained to support and extend the care that pastors continue to provide.

Stephen Ministers reach out with God’s love to people who are hurting, both in the congregation and in the community alike.

A Stephen Minister is…

A child of God who walks beside a person who is hurting
A congregation member with gifts for caregiving who was carefully selected to serve in this role
A lay person who has received 50 hours of training in providing emotional and spiritual care
A caring, Christian friend who listens, cares, prays, supports and encourages
Someone who will “be there” for his or her care receiver, meeting faithfully for about an hour each week, for as long as there’s a need

Stephen Ministers are committed Christians who..

Are committed to confidentiality
Receive extensive training in caregiving skills
Visit another person regularly
Listen to your concerns

What does a Stephen Minister do?

Listens
Encourages
Keeps Confidence
Prays
Supports
Walks beside a hurting person

Who May Need a Stephen Minister?

People who are dealing with:

Grief
Divorce
Job loss
Illness/Hospitalization
Financial struggles
Loneliness
Chronic depression
Terminal illness
Other life difficulties