Stephen Ministry

Whatever you have learned or received, or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice.
And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9

Share the love that God gave you in the Stephen Ministry, a trans-denominational Christian education organization that provides high quality training and resources to strengthen and expand lay ministry in congregations.

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

Stephen Ministers
are committed Christians who

• Express God’s care through their lives to others;
• Receive 50 hours of initial training in important caring ministry skills and concepts;
• Are commissioned as Stephen Ministers after completing their initial training;
• Visit another person regularly and dependably and offer Christian support and care;
• Participate in regular support and supervision under the guidance of trained Stephen Leaders;
• Are committed to preserving the confidential nature of the caring relationship;
• Serve for at least two years; and
• Receive continuing education and skill building throughout their years of service.

Stephen Ministry meets the needs of people.

There are times when each of us needs the care of another person, a Christian friend, a Stephen Minister! These needs include, but are not limited to

• The hospitalized
• The terminally ill and their families
• People who move into our out of our community
• Those grieving a death or serious loss
• The homebound and institutionalized
• Prisoners, ex-offenders and their families
• Those with a job crisis
• The aging and elderly
• Those with disabilities and their families
• Those needing the support of a Christian friend
• Those facing life transitions
• The separated or divorced
• Households experiencing a birth or adoption
• Those in spiritual crisis

Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry.

Those receiving care can be sure that their identity and what occurs in the caring relationship will remain private.