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...

"Bear one another's burdens, and in this way
you will fulfill the law of Christ."
Galatians 6:2

• 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 hour each week, for as long as there's a need

STEPHEN MINISTRY IS YOUR MINISTRY:

"Therefore encourage one another
and build up each other."
1 Thessalonians 5:11

You play an important role in our Stephen Ministry.  Here's 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 questions about Stephen Ministry...

...Talk with one of our Stephen Leaders

STEPHEN MINISTRY MULTIPLIES MINISTRY:

"To equip the saints
for the work of ministry."
Ephesians 4:12a

Pastors will always be on the front lines of care, especially during times of crisis.  But there are always many more needs for ongoing, one-to-one care than pastors can effectively meet by themselves.

Stephen Ministry provides a biblical solution - equipping God's people for ministry.  Gifted lay people are trained to support and extend the care that pastors continue to provide.

Stephen Ministers reach out with God's love to people who are hurting - both congregation members and nonmembers alike.

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 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 crises
• Unemployment or a 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 IN OUR CONGREGATION:

How can someone become a Stephen Minister?

• Complete an application and interview
• Selection by Stephen Leaders (class size is limited)
• Training course begins in September
• Commit to serve for 2 years

STEPHEN MINISTRIES ST. LOUIS SUPPORTS OUR CONGREGATION'S STEPHEN MINISTRY:

Stephen Ministries is a not-for-profit Christian educational organization based in St. Louis, Missouri.  Founded in 1975, Stephen Ministries provides training and resources to thousands of congregations and organizations worldwide.  Log on to www.stephenministries.org to learn more.