STEPHEN MINISTRY
Stephen Ministers are members of our congregation who receive special training to provide one-to-one Christian care to people in our congregation and community who are experiencing grief, loneliness, divorce, hospitalization, disability, job loss, and many other life difficulties. Our Stephen Ministers have received 50 hours of training in providing emotional and spiritual care.
Stephen Ministers are committed Christian people who :
- Express God's care through their lives to others;
- Receive 50 hours of initial training in important caring ministry skills and concepts;
- Are commissioned as Stephen Ministers after completing their initial training;
- Visit another person regularly and dependably and offer Christian support and care;
- Participate in regular support and supervision under the guidance of trained Stephen Leaders;
- Are committed to preserving the confidential nature of the caring relationship;
- Receive continuing education and skill building throughout their years of service.
Stephen Leaders are pastors, church staff, and/or lay persons who have completed 50 hours of training and are commissioned to lead the Stephen Ministry of our congregation.
There are times when each of us needs the care of another person. Our congregation's Stephen Ministers can help you or someone you know in need. Those needs may include, but are not limited to:
- hospitalization
- terminal illness
- grief in time of death
- incarceration
- life transitions
- separation or divorce
- birth or adoption
- spiritual crisis
To learn how to become - or receive care from - a Stephen Minister, talk to our Senior Pastor or Stephen Leaders Wayne Nash or Sandy Wilson.
