Stephen Ministry
Hurting? Struggling? Discouraged?
Stressed? Confused? Broken?
Stephen Ministers Are Ready to Care
What is Stephen Ministry? Christ caring for people through people
Our congregation's Stephen Ministry equips lay people to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to individuals in our congregation and community who are experiencing difficulties in their lives. Stephen Ministers care for People facing tough times
We all experience challenges in life - times when we could benefit from the support of a caring Christian friend. Stephen Ministers are ready to provide the emotional and spiritual care we need when faced with a crisis of difficulty, such as:
"Love one another - as I have loved you."
John 13:14
- Loss of a loved one
- Hospitalization
- Divorce or separation
- Loneliness or discouragement
- Spiritual crises
- Unemployment or a job crises
- A terminal illness
- Incarceration
- Aging
- Birth, adoption, miscarriage or infertility
- A chronic illness
- Relocation
- Recovery after an accident or disaster
- And many more
Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry: The identity of those receiving care and what takes place in each caring relationship remains private.
A Stephen Minister Is...
"Bear on another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
Galatians 6:2
- A child of God who walks beside a person who is hurting
- A congregation member with gifts for caregiving, who was carefully selected to serve in this role
- A lay person who has received 50 hours of training in providing emotional and spiritual care
- A caring, Christian friend who listens, cares, prays, supports and encourages
- Someone who will "be there" for his or her care receiver, meeting faithfully for about an hour each week, for as long as there's a need
Stephen Ministry Is Your Ministry
You play an important role in our Stephen Ministry. Here's what you can do:
"Therefore encourage one another and build up each other."
1 Thessalonians 5:11
- Pray for God to bring hope and healing to hurting people through our Stephen Ministry.
- Accept Care from a Stephen Minister during your time of need. God doesn't expect you to bear your burdens alone.
- Tell a friend, neighbor, coworker or relative who is hurting about our Stephen Ministry.
- If you are a good listener and a compassionate person, prayerfully consider becoming a Stephen Minister.
Stephen Leaders Are...
Trained leaders in our congregation who oversee and direct our Stephen Ministry.
"To equip the saints for the work of ministry."
Ephesians 4:12a
- If you or someone you know could benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister...
- If you are interested in possibly becoming a Stephen Minister...
- If you have any other questions about Stephen Ministry...
...Talk with one of our Stephen Leaders.
Stephen Ministry Multiplies Ministry
Pastors will always be on the front lines of care, especially during times of crisis. But there are always any more needs for ongoing, one-to-one care than pastors can effectively meet by themselves.
Stephen Ministry provides a biblical solution -equipping God's people for ministry. Gifted lay people are trained to support and extend the care that pastors continue to provide.
Stephen Ministers reach out with God's love to people who are hurting - both congregation members and nonmembers alike.
If you would like a Stephen Minister to contact you,
please contact Pastor Jon at 253-927-0557 ext. 222
or the Church office at 253-927-0557 ext. 0.