Stephen Ministry is a national multi-denominational program developed over 40 years ago by a Pastor who saw a need in his parish. Stephen Ministry equips lay parishioners to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to individuals in our congregation who are experiencing difficulties in their lives.
Who are Stephen Ministers: A Stephen Minister is a child of God who walks beside another person:
A parishioner with gifts for caregiving who was carefully selected to serve other parishioners
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 is a need.
What do Stephen Ministers Do? We all experience challenges in life—times when we could benefit from the support of a caring Christian friend. Stephen Ministers are ready to 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
A terminal illness
Aging
Birth, adoption, miscarriage
A chronic illness
Relocation
Recovery after an accident
Many more
What is Training like? Stephen Minister training is an engaging, interactive experience that fully equips you to provide high-quality, Christ-centered care to other parishioners.
Training is through use of presentations, discussions, readings, videos, skill practices, and spiritual growth activities to equip and empower you with practical caregiving and relational sills. In addition, the training provides many opportunities for building Christian community and experiencing personal and spiritual growth.
What do I do next?
Pray for the ministry
Pray for guidance and to determine if this is one of your gifts.