Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministry is a one-on-one ministry to someone who is hurting (e.g., Care Receiver). It is quiet, confidential, compassionate, and provides a listening witness to the caring presence of Christ and His community.

Stephen Ministers are lay Christians selected, trained and supervised to provide effective Christian Care. After an initial 50 hours of training, Stephen Ministers are assigned a Care Receiver with whom they meet once a week for about an hour. Stephen Ministers also meet twice per month (2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month) for supervision, support and continuing education. This is done in an environment of complete confidentiality. The names of Care Receivers are never mentioned. Stephen Ministers make a two-year commitment to the program.

Motivation (Call to Action) for this Ministry: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God, For just as the sufferings of Christ are abundant for us, so also our consolation is abundant through Christ.” II Corinthians 1:3-5

If you have any of the following concerns, a Stephen Minister could provide the support you need.

Who Should Be Referred?

Potential Care Receivers are ...

• People who are lonely.
• People who are hospitalized.
• People who are struggling with parenting.
• People who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
• People who are separated or in the process of divorce.
• People who are terminally ill and their families.
• People who are experiencing loss of job or financial setbacks.
• People who are experiencing crisis situations.
• People and families of those facing legal difficulties.
• People who are struggling with their faith.
• People who are separated from their family.
• People who are recovering substance abusers.
• People with "personal" relationship issues.
• People who are experiencing hurt from abuse.
• People adjusting to life changing situations; retirement, stay-at-home mom, promotion, new parent, empty nester, graduating from college, etc.
• People who need someone to come along side of them during an especially difficult time - a caring soul who can help them process their feelings, their fears, their anger, their lack of faith, and yet provide hope.

What Do Stephen Ministers Do?

Pray Listen
• Explore Feelings
• Share Christ's love
• Maintain confidentiality
• Attend to the care giving process and leave the results to God
• Walk with people who are journeying to wholeness
• This is a ministry of Presence and Companionship

Could a Stephen Minister be helpful in your life? If so, please call Rev. Eileen at 401-533-2014.