Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministers Care - Our Stephen Ministers provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to people who are:

• Grieving the death of a loved one
• Hospitalized or recovering from hospitalization
• Lonely or discouraged
• Coping with a terminal illness or caring for a family member with a terminal illness
• Unemployed or in a job crisis
• Disabled or caring for an ill or disabled family member
• Moving or relocating
• New to the congregation or the community
• Anticipating the birth or adoption of a child
• Homebound or institutionalized
• Transitioning into retirement
• Dealing with the crisis of aging
• Facing a life transition
• Experiencing a spiritual crisis
• Victims of a disaster or accident

And for people facing countless other crises or life challenges or who are going through a difficult time and could benefit from the care of a supportive Christian friend.

What is a Stephen Minister?

A Stephen Minister is:

• A child of God who walks beside a hurting person;
• A caring Christian who really listens;
• A member of our congregation who has received 50 hours of training in how to provide distinctively Christian care;
• A person who is ready to focus on your needs;
• A trustworthy confidant who will keep everything you say-and even your identity-confidential; and
• Someone who will faithfully meet with you on a weekly basis for as long as your need persists.

A Stephen Minister is NOT:

• A counselor or therapist;
• A problem-solver;
• Someone who runs errands or helps with chores; or
• A casual visitor.

Our Stephen Ministers are ready to provide you with the confidential, one-to-one Christian care you need to make it through a crisis or help you through a difficult time.

Why Stephen Ministry?

Because the Bible tells us to:

• “Love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:12
• “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
• “Encourage one another and build each other up.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11a
• “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Romans 12:15
• “Serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13
• “Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers and sisters, be compassionate and humble.” 1 Peter 3:8
• “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

The Stephen Ministry logo, with the broken person behind the cross arid the whole person in front of the cross, symbolizes that we are all broken people and that it is only through the cross of Jesus that we are made whole. Stephen Ministers will help guide you in your journey from brokenness to wholeness.

If you have any questions or comments concerning the Stephen Ministry, please email Deedee Roberts.