What is Stephen Ministry?

Stephen Ministry provides congregations with the training, resources, and ongoing support to organize and equip a team of lay caregivers - called Stephen Ministers - within the congregation.  Stephen Ministers provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care and support to people experiencing:

• loss of a loved one
• divorce
• cancer or illness
• job loss
• divorce
• disability
• spiritual crisis
• many other challenges

God never intended for us to go through these experiences alone. That's why God has brought us together as a congregation - and why we have Stephen Ministry.

How Does It Work?

Congregations enroll in the Stephen Series--which is called Stephen Ministry once it's implemented in the congregation. Enrollment provides access to extensive training, resources, and support from Stephen Ministries St. Louis.  The pastors and lay leaders who will lead Stephen Ministry in their congregation attend a one-week Leaders' Training Course, where they will be trained as Stephen Leaders and learn how to begin and direct Stephen Ministry.

Stephen Leaders return home from the LTC and recruit, select, and equip a team of congregation members to serve as Stephen Ministers - the congregation's lay caregivers. Stephen Ministers go through approximately 50 hours of training. Stephen Leaders match each Stephen Minister to a person in need of care. Each Stephen Minister meets with his or her care receiver or about an hour a week to provide one-to-one, Christ-centered care and support. Stephen Ministers care for people inside and outside the congregation, including those experiencing grief, divorce, job loss, terminal illness, loneliness, spiritual crisis, hospitalization, relocation, and other life difficulties. Men are matched with men, women with women. Caring relationships last for as long as the person needs this level of care.

Stephen Ministers are not lone rangers. They participate with their Stephen Leaders in twice-monthly supervision where they receive the guidance and support they need to provide high-quality care. They also participate regularly in continuing education to enhance their skills and help them keep growing as caregivers.

How Do I Meet With A Stephen's Minister?

If you or someone you know might benefit from meeting with a Stephen Minister, please email Trudy Smith or call the church office at 817-441-8329.