Stephen Ministry is a lay ministry through which members of Trinity Covenant Church are trained to help provide Christian Care-giving to others in our congregation.  This will multiply the amount of caring ministry our church can provide by training a team of skilled caregivers who become equipped to bring Christ's healing love to people who are grieving, in crisis or experiencing other stresses in life.

Stephen Ministries began in 1974 by Dr. Kenneth Haugk in St. Louis, Missouri.  He was a new, young Pastor at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church as well as a clinical psychologist.  His heart was truly in care-giving to his flock and God gave him the vision of how to marry his pastoral training with clinical psychology.  He developed a system of care-giving that is distinctively Christian in nature.  Led by Stephen Leaders, they in turn train Stephen Ministers to listen reflectively, encourage, pray with and exhibit the gifts of mercy and compassion to those going through difficult circumstances.

Stephen Ministry is based on the idea that all Christians are ministers.  The responsibility for passing on God's love is for all Christians, not just a chosen few.  God has given us all gifts for ministry and called us to put those gifts to use.  Stephen Ministry is a place where people with special gifts for caring ministry can use those gifts to bring Christ's love to people in need.

Everyone benefits from Stephen Ministry.  Those receiving care from Stephen Ministers because they receive prayer and support throughout the crisis they face.  Stephen Ministers benefit through the spiritual growth they experience from being involved in meaningful ministry.  Our pastors benefit because caring ministry is expanded and fewer people slip through the cracks.  Most of all, you benefit from the knowledge that special care is available to you should you need it.

Stephen Ministers are members of Trinity Covenant Church who have gone through 50 hours of training in providing high quality Christian care to individuals experiencing a crisis or challenge such as divorce, grief, loss of a job, hospitalization, relocation or loneliness.  Stephen Ministers are each assigned a care receiver and meet with that person for about an hour a week.  The caring relationship lasts for as long as the care receiver needs it.

If you feel that you are gifted for this ministry, you can pick up an application in the church office.  Your Stephen Leaders will conduct a personal interview with you along with calling references and conducting a background check.  Training will begin in the fall.