Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministers are lay persons who have been willing to commit to 50 hours of training, learning how to provide Christian one-on-one care to those in need. Stephen Ministers meet on a strictly confidential basis with people who are experiencing difficult transitions or stressful situations.
We currently have 13 active Stephen Ministers and 4 Stephen Leaders. Our program is in the top 10% in the nation because of the number of active Stephen Ministers.
What is a Stephen Minister?
A Stephen Minister is ...
a Child of God who walks beside a hurting person.
a caring Christian friend who really listens.
a lay person who has received 50 hours of training in how to provide distinctively Christian care.
A Stephen Minister is NOT...
a counselor or therapist.
a problem-solver.
a casual visitor.
How does the referral process work?
A person—either you, a relative, or a friend—is hurting and in need of Christian care.
The Stephen Ministry Referrals Coordinator learns about this need for care—from the pastor, the person, or a friend, always with the person's permission.
The Referrals Coordinator meets with the person to talk about Stephen Ministry .
With the person's permission, the Referrals Coordinator assigns a Stephen Minister to meet on a weekly basis with the person.
The Stephen Ministry continues to provide distinctively Christian care for the person with strict confidentiality.
Stephen Ministry helps meet the needs of individuals who are ...
- hospitalized
- terminally ill
- bereaved
- in a job crisis
- new members of the church
- disabled
- homebound
- lonely
- in a spiritual crisis
- looking for a caring Christian friend
If you would like more information on the Stephen Ministry program contact Mary Wiese at 296-0762 or visit the Stephen Ministries website.