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.