Stephen Ministry

Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2 (NRSV)

Request a Stephen Minister

What is Stephen Ministry?

Stephen Ministry is the one-to-one lay caring ministry that takes place in congregations that use the Stephen Series system. Stephen Ministry congregations equip and empower lay caregivers—called Stephen Ministers—to provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to people who are hurting.

Who are Stephen Ministers?

Stephen Ministers are laypeople—Christian men and women—trained to provide one-to-one care to people experiencing a difficult time in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, relocation, or separation due to military deployment.

What does a Stephen Minister do?

A Stephen Minister comes alongside a hurting person and meets with that person on a weekly basis to listen, care, encourage, pray, and provide emotional and spiritual support. Men are paired with men; women with women. The Christ-centered care of a Stephen Minister is entirely confidential—no one knows the identity of a care receiver except for his or her Stephen Minister and the pastor or Stephen Leader who paired the two together. 

Stephen Ministry Training

Stephen Ministers are pre-screened and trained by their congregation’s Stephen Leaders. The training they receive in the congregation equips them to provide high-quality care to people who are hurting. 

The training takes place in your congregation and is led by your congregation’s Stephen Leaders. It is typically taught in 20 weekly sessions along with a weekend retreat. The training combines pre-class reading, devotions, lecture, video presentation, discussion, and skill practice.

  

 How to become a Stephen Minister


Contact Rev. Brittany Hanlin to learn more.
Phone 619-297-4366 x131