Stephen Ministry
- 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 willo “be there” for his or her care receiver, meeting faithfully for about an hour each week, for as long as there’s a need
“Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
STEPHEN MINISTERS CARE FOR PEOPLE FACING TOUGH TIMES
We all experience challenges in life – times when we could benefit from caring Christian support. Stephen Ministry is available to provide the emotional and spiritual care for you and your family as you journey through times of trial and crisis in your lives. Stephen Ministry is committed to expressing Christian care and love to all people in our congregation, especially those who are hurting in mind, body, spirit or relationally, and to nurture a faithful understanding of Christian wholeness by linking faith to all aspects of life and health.
Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry: The identity of those receiving care and what takes place in each caring relationship remain private.
“Therefore encourage one another and build up each other.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
STEPHEN MINISTRY IS OUR MINISTRY
You play an important role in our Stephen Ministry. Here’s what you can do:
- Pray for God to bring hope and healing to hurting 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 Stephen Ministry.
- If you are a good listener and a compassionate person, prayerfully consider becoming a Stephen Minister.
STEPHEN MINISTRY MULTIPLIES MINISTRY
Pastors will always be on the front lines of care, especially during times of crisis. But there are always many more needs for ongoing, one-to-one care than pastors can effectively 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 congregation members and nonmembers alike.
“To equip the saints for the work of ministry.” Ephesians 4:12a