What is Stephen Ministry

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

A Stephen Minister is

• A child of God who walks beside a person who is hurting
• A congregation 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 faithfully for about an hours each week, for as long as there is a need

Stephen Ministers Care for People Facing Tough Times

We all experience challenges in life -- times when we could benefit from the support of a caring Christian friend.  Stephen Minister 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 crisis
• 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 remains private.

Stephen Ministry is Your Ministry

You play an important role in our Stephen Ministry.  Here is what you can do:

• Pray for God to bring hope and healing to hurting people through our Stephen Ministry.
• Accept care from a Stephen Minister during your time of need.  God doesn't expect you to bear your burdens alone.
• Tell a friend, neighbor, coworker, or relative who is hurting about our Stephen Ministry.
• If you are a good listener and a compassionate person, prayerfully consider becoming a Stephen Minister.

Stephen Leaders Are

Trained leaders in our congregation who oversee and direct our Stephen Ministry.

• If you -- or someone you know -- could benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister . . .
• If you are interested in possibly becoming a Stephen Minister . . .
• If you have any other questions about Stephen Ministry  . . .

call the church office (509) 697-4353 and you will be directed to a Stephen Leader who can help you.