What is Stephen Ministry?

Stephen Ministry is grounded in Jesus’ command to love one another.  Through one-to-one caring relationships, those who are hurting receive the love and care they need to support them.

• Is life more than you can handle alone right now?
• Is your health or your attitude suffering?
• Are your relationships suffering?
• Are you adjusting to a new job, change in marital status, a serious illness, the death of a loved one, or a recent move?
• Would you like to have someone in your life who really cares?

Everyone goes through difficult times.  Having someone to care, to listen, and to share God’s love with you can help you get through the confusion, stress, or loneliness you may be experiencing.

What is a Stephen Minister?

A Stephen Minister is...
• A child of God who walks beside a person who is hurting.
• A caring, Christian friend who takes the time to really listen.
• A lay person who has received 50 hours of training in how to provide distinctively Christian care.

A Stephen Minister is not...
• A counselor or therapist.
• A problem solver.
• A casual visitor.

What are the needs with which Stephen Ministry can help?

We help those who are...
• Hospitalized
• Terminally ill
• Bereaved
• In a job crisis
• Separated or divorced
• Disabled
• Homebound
• Lonely
• New church members
• In a spiritual crisis
• Looking for a caring Christian friend.

How exactly does the
referral process work?

• A person (either you, a relative, or a friend) is hurting and in need of Christian care.
• The Stephen Ministry Referrals Coordinator learns about this need for care from a pastor, a friend, or from the person in need of care and only after the person in need has granted permission.
• The Referrals Coordinator meets with the person to talk about Stephen Ministry.
• With the person’s permission, the Referrals Coordinator assigns a Stephen Minister to meet on a weekly basis with that person.
• The Stephen Minister provides distinctively Christian and strictly confidential care.
• Men are assigned to men.  Women are assigned to women.

How can I receive a Stephen Minister?

Fill out the information below and place in the offering plate.  You may also call Stephen Ministry at 794-6158 or Rev. Allie Freeman at 793-3555.