Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ Galatians 6:2, NRSV
What Is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry is a one-to-one lay caring ministry.
Stephen Ministry congregations equip and empower lay caregivers—called Stephen Ministers—to provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to people who are hurting. A Stephen Minister usually provides care to one person at a time, meeting with that person once a week for about an hour.
Stephen Ministers offer care to congregation members and others in the community who may be struggling through a difficult time in life—experiencing grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, or some other life crisis.
Some important guidelines for this caring relationship protect both the care receiver and the Stephen Minister:
- The relationship between a care receiver and a Stephen Minister is confidential.
- Men are matched with men; women with women.
- When a care receiver’s needs exceed what a Stephen Minister can provide, the Stephen Ministry team makes a referral to an appropriate mental health professional or other community resource.
If you or someone you know is interested in receiving care from one of our Stephen Ministers, please contact Denise Viker, our Parish Nurse, or one of our pastors.
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Stephen Minister, please contact Denise Viker about upcoming training. The Stephen Ministry Program website.