“Bear one another's burdens and thus fulfill the law of Christ.”          Galatians 6: 2

 What is Stephen Ministry?

In Stephen Ministry congregations, lay caregivers (called Stephen Ministers) provide one-to-one Christian care to those in need of care. These may include people who are bereaved, hospitalized, terminally ill, separated, divorced, unemployed, relocated, facing a crisis, or just experiencing difficult times.

Stephen Ministry helps pastors and congregations provide quality caring ministry for as long as people need it.

Who may need a Stephen Minister?

People who are dealing with:

• Family frustrations and challenges
• Loneliness
• Illness
• Family members who are ill
• Separation or divorce
• Loss of a loved one
• Being home-bound
• A new baby
• Death and dying
• Low self-esteem or feeling down
• Loss of a job
• Financial setbacks
• Loss of faith or hope
• Aging
• Changes in their lives
• And other concerns

Consider Stephen Ministry even if it's a little problem.  A problem isn't little if it's yours.

A Stephen Minister is:

• a trained lay volunteer
• a good listener
• trained in confidentiality
• supervised for quality care
• ready to offer God's love through a Christian caring relationship on a one-to-one basis.
• a Stephen Minister is someone who will encourage and pray with someone in need of care.
• a Stephen Minister walks beside a hurting person.
• Stephen Ministers are there to care!

Interested in learning more about receiving the care of a Stephen Minister?

If you would like to receive the support of a Stephen Minister or if you know someone who could benefit from this program, please contact a Stephen Leader.  Click here to connect to one of them.

Interested in learning more about being a Stephen Minister?

Begin by talking to one of our active Stephen Leaders and they can tell you more:

Amanda Briggs

Beverly Long Chapin

Pat Chappell

Susan Pierson

Mary Donna Pond*

Lu Stephenson

Rev. Mitzi Lesher-Thomas*

Susan Walkup

Rev. Mindy Douglas Adams*

 

*indicates active Stephen Leader                            

 

Click here for Stephen Ministry FAQ (frequently asked questions).

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Stephen Ministry
Featured on PBS

The PBS "Religion and Ethics" news show aired an eight-minute feature on Stephen Ministry in April 2010 that vividly describes the life-changing ministry happening in thousands of congregations.

View the Stephen Ministry feature on the PBS Web site, where you'll also find several bonus features--including a nine-minute interview with Stephen Ministries' founder and executive director, Kenneth C. Haugk.