Stephen Ministry
Christ Caring for People through People
What is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry is a one-to-one lay caring ministry that equips trained Christian caregivers to provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to people who are hurting or experiencing difficult life circumstances. Grounded in prayer and equipped with over 50 hours of specialized training, Stephen Ministers serve as extensions of the pastoral care team, walking alongside care receivers with empathy and the love of Christ. Whether someone is facing grief, illness, divorce, job loss, or other personal struggles, a Stephen Minister offers a compassionate presence, a listening ear, and ongoing spiritual support.
7 Reasons to Become a Stephen Minister
1 Make a real difference in the lives of people who are hurting.
Stephen Ministers walk alongside people going through life challenges like grief, divorce, a medical crisis, job loss, and more. They offer care, support, and encouragement, connecting hurting people with Christ’s healing love during some of the hardest times in their lives.
2 Help our congregation ensure that no one suffers alone.
Caring for one another is a hallmark of the Christian faith. As a Stephen Minister, you will play a crucial role in helping our congregation carry out that mission so that, even if we can’t take away their pain, those who are suffering know our church truly cares.
3 Learn what to say and do—and what not to say and do—to care effectively for people who are suffering.
Stephen Minister training teaches highly practical caregiving and relational skills that equip and empower you with everything you need to effectively care for others. In addition to preparing you for caring ministry, these skills can help you deepen and enhance relationships in all facets of your life—with family, friends, coworkers, and others.
4 Be involved in meaningful ministry that uses your spiritual gifts.
Serving as a Stephen Minister gives people an opportunity to put their spiritual gifts into action—gifts such as faith, mercy, compassion, and encouragement. Ministry that draws on your gifts is personally fulfilling and touches people’s lives in powerful ways.
5 Deepen your faith as you see God at work through your ministry.
Providing care while trusting in God is at the core of Stephen Ministry. Stephen Ministers regularly say how their faith deepens as they experience training, learn to use distinctively Christian caring tools, and witness God at work in the lives of their care receivers.
6 Be part of a group of caring Christians who support each other as they care for those who are hurting.
One of the blessings of being a Stephen Minister is being part of a community of people who care, all of whom lift one another up as they strive together to provide the best possible ministry. The strong relationships you’ll form are both rewarding and a great source of support.
7 Join a worldwide tradition of caring ministry.
Congregations all over the world use Stephen Ministry—and have trained hundreds of thousands of Stephen Ministers who have gone on to care for millions of hurting people. It’s this ongoing tradition of “Christ caring for people through people” that you’ll join as a Stephen Minister.
7 Reasons to Become a Stephen Minister
1 Make a real difference in the lives of people who are hurting.
Stephen Ministers walk alongside people going through life challenges like grief, divorce, a medical crisis, job loss, and more. They offer care, support, and encouragement, connecting hurting people with Christ’s healing love during some of the hardest times in their lives.
2 Help our congregation ensure that no one suffers alone.
Caring for one another is a hallmark of the Christian faith. As a Stephen Minister, you will play a crucial role in helping our congregation carry out that mission so that, even if we can’t take away their pain, those who are suffering know our church truly cares.
3 Learn what to say and do—and what not to say and do—to care effectively for people who are suffering.
Stephen Minister training teaches highly practical caregiving and relational skills that equip and empower you with everything you need to effectively care for others. In addition to preparing you for caring ministry, these skills can help you deepen and enhance relationships in all facets of your life—with family, friends, coworkers, and others.
4 Be involved in meaningful ministry that uses your spiritual gifts.
Serving as a Stephen Minister gives people an opportunity to put their spiritual gifts into action—gifts such as faith, mercy, compassion, and encouragement. Ministry that draws on your gifts is personally fulfilling and touches people’s lives in powerful ways.
5 Deepen your faith as you see God at work through your ministry.
Providing care while trusting in God is at the core of Stephen Ministry. Stephen Ministers regularly say how their faith deepens as they experience training, learn to use distinctively Christian caring tools, and witness God at work in the lives of their care receivers.
6 Be part of a group of caring Christians who support each other as they care for those who are hurting.
One of the blessings of being a Stephen Minister is being part of a community of people who care, all of whom lift one another up as they strive together to provide the best possible ministry. The strong relationships you’ll form are both rewarding and a great source of support.
7 Join a worldwide tradition of caring ministry.
Congregations all over the world use Stephen Ministry—and have trained hundreds of thousands of Stephen Ministers who have gone on to care for millions of hurting people. It’s this ongoing tradition of “Christ caring for people through people” that you’ll join as a Stephen Minister.
Apply to Become a Stephen Minister Today
To apply to become a Stephen Minister, please download and fill out the application form below. Once the form is completed, it may be submitted using the submission form linked below or by dropping the form off at the church during office hours.
Class for the first group of trainees will meet every Monday evening (6:00-8:30 p.m.) from October 20 through November 17, and will resume again in January. Dinner will be provided.
