Stephen Ministry

What Kinds of Needs Will the Stephen Ministry Address?

People who are:

Hospitalized
Grieving the loss of a loved one
Lonely
Ill
Depressed
Separated or in the process of a divorce
Shut-ins
Experiencing the birth or adoption of a child
Dying, and families and friends
of the terminally ill
Experiencing loss of work or
a financial setback
In trouble with the law,
and families of those in trouble
New to our church
Inactive members of our church
Struggling with their faith in God.

"They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit...And the Word of God increased; and the number of disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem..."

ACTS 6:5-7

"Bear one another's burdens...and so fulfill the law of Christ."

GALATIANS 6:2

What Is The Stephen Ministry?

A special ministry in which one Christian reaches out to another person in the time of need or crisis.

A structured program of training and preparation for a caring relationship.

An opportunity to reach out to others--the lonely, the depressed, the inactive, the bereaved, new people in town, those hospitalized and convalescing, the divorced, the aged.

An on-going helping relationship with scheduled regularity, dependability, and confidentiality.

A meaningful way for our church to use our many talents in sharing each other's burdens and joys.

Who Are The Stephen Ministers?

Men and women of our congregation who have developed their gifts for bringing the concern and care of Christ's community to people in need.

People of all ages, backgrounds and from all walks of life.

Caring and sharing Christians offering their help and support to others in need.

Trained Christians who have developed their helping skills through intensive coursework.

Dedicated Christians--commissioned by our church to confidential, in-depth caring.

Stephen Ministers Are Not:

Professional psychologists,

Experts in law, medicine or church doctrine,

Social Workers, or

Superficial visitors who merely drop in from time to time.

Will The Stephen Ministry Replace The Pastoral Ministry of Our Pastors?

ABSOLUTELY NOT! The Stephen Ministry will expand their ministry by providing more workers in the Body of Christ. Care giving is certainly a pastor's job, but the pastor often does not have enough time to minister effectively to all of the needs of the congregation. Another part of the pastor's job is to "equip the saints"--all of the members of the congregation--to provide this kind of care for one another. In so doing, the pastor greatly multiplies the care giving that can be done.

What Kind Of Commitment Will I Have To Make To Be A Stephen Minister?

Obviously, being a Stephen Minister will require a commitment of time and effort in the service of helping other people.

A two year commitment is essential. This will include 50 hours of training and regular peer group supervision.

After commissioning, in addition to your service as a Stephen Minister, meetings will be held for guidance and further education.

Being a Stephen Minister will bring many blessings into your life.

You will grow in the understanding of your own Christian calling as well as the privilege of working closely with others in helping relationships.

You will experience the fellowship of a warm, loving, and caring group of people.

You will know you are a vital part of the Body of Christ--the living church.

The skills you receive as a part of the Stephen Ministry training are applicable not only to a lay caring ministry but also in your everyday life experiences and relationships with others.

How Are Stephen Ministers Trained?

Stephen Ministers receive fifty hours of training, based solidly on Biblical testimony and drawing from the best tools of the health and psychological sciences before beginning their care giving work.

Throughout their service, Stephen Ministers receive ongoing peer group supervision and continuing education in a variety of related subjects.