St. John’s has suspended onsite activities until further notice in response to the State of California’s request to shelter at home.
Sunday worship will be presented in a weekly podcast (see below).  For additional community connection, see our Facebook page

St. Johns Lutheran Church

St. Johns Lutheran Church

Stephen’s Ministries

Stephen Ministries

04-St.Johns-Round3-Dec2017
04-St.Johns-Round3-Dec2017

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.

What is a Stephen Minister?

  • A child of God who walks beside a person who is hurting.
  • A congregational 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 faith-fully for about an hour a week, for as long as there's a need.

Why Become a Stephen Minister?

Here's what Stephen Ministers frequently say about their training:

  • Stephen Minister training teaches principles and skills that equip you to provide high-quality, christ-centered emotional and spiritual care to others.
  • You gain insight into the thoughts, feelings, and actions of people who are hurting.
  • You develop relational and caring skills you can apply to all aspects of your life.
  • You deepen your faith as the Holy Spirit fashions you into a Christ-centered caregiver.
  • You feel a special bond with those in your class-experiencing real Christian community.
    Stephen Minister training is a lot of fun.

Stephen Ministers Care for People Facing Tough Times

We all face 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 or difficulty such as:

  • Loss of a loved one
  • Hospitalization
  • Divorce or Separation
  • Loneliness or Discouragement
  • Spiritual Crisis
  • Unemployment or Job loss
  • 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 remain private.