Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministry is a program of our congregation that equips lay persons to provide distinctively Christian one-to-one care to those who are experiencing all kinds of life needs and circumstances, both in our congregation and community.

Pastors will always be on the front line 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 training to support and extend the care that pastors continue to provide.

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

Would I benefit from having a Stephen Minister?

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 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.

To request a Stephen Minister or to inquire about how to join this cruical ministry, contact Rev. Dana Norton.