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What is Stephen Ministry?
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It is a one-to-one ministry by trained, caring
members of the congregation.
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It is a long-term helping relationship focusing on
the unique needs of each person.
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It is a commitment to caring and supporting one
another, to build a Christ-centered, sharing community of faith.
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It is a response to Christ’s new commandment……"to
love one another as I have loved you."
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It is a spiritually-based system of training and
organization, which is already working in many congregations
throughout the country.
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It is a ministry named after St. Stephen, the first
deacon in the early church, commissioned by the apostles to care for
the community's needs.
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Who are Stephen Ministers?
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They are lay persons, men or women, who are skilled
and equipped to bring Christ’s healing love to people who are
lonely, grieving, estranged, unemployed, ill, or experiencing other
life stresses.
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They are caring and sharing persons who reach out
in supportive ways to the spiritual, family, social, and emotional
needs of our community.
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Stephen Ministers
can be responsive to people …..
- who are hospitalized;
- who are grieving the death of family or friends;
- who are lonely;
- who are depressed;
- who are separated or divorcing;
- who are homebound;
- who are experiencing the addition of family members;
- who are dying, as well as the families of those who are terminally
ill;
- who are experiencing setbacks;
- who are affected by crime and violence;
- who are inactive members of our congregation;
- who are burdened with physical or mental challenges; and those
- who are struggling with their faith.
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Stephen Ministry Benefits
to the Congregation and the
Surrounding Community
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There will be a new and
lasting lay
commitment to caring.
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There will be a growth
in warmth and love.
Caring is contagious.
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People receiving the
caring and support will experience deeper relationships and
involvement with our congregation.
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Stephen Minister
themselves will experience personal growth and enrichment of their
own lives.
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