St. John’s Lutheran Church congratulates and welcomes Rev. Megan Rohrer as elected Bishop of our Sierra Pacific Synod! We look forward to working with Rev. Rohrer in sharing the message that all are welcome! Learn More

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.