STEPHEN MINISTRY at Chapel in the Pines
“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:
Sue Ellen Holleman
Susan Mantz
Mary Donna Pond*
Becky Sommer-Peterson
Melissa Staples
Beth Vazquez
Lee Werley
*indicates active Stephen Leader
Click here for Stephen Ministry FAQ (frequently asked questions).
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.