What Is Stephen Ministry?
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Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).
Stephen Ministry offers a proven and effective way to organize, equip, and supervise a team of congregation members—called Stephen Ministers—to provide high-quality, one-to-one, Christ-centered care to people in the congregation and the community experiencing life difficulties. |
Perhaps God is calling you to take the Stephen Ministry Training. Or you may be going through a difficult time and would like someone to talk to as you go through your trial. For more information about becoming a Stephen Minister or about meeting with a Stephen Minister, please speak with Pastor James for more information.
Who are our Stephen Ministry Leaders?
Rick Bowman
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Sharon Heersema
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Who are Stephen Ministers?
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Stephen Ministers are congregation members trained by their Stephen Leaders to offer care to people who are hurting. A Stephen Minister typically has one care receiver at a time and meets with that person once a week for about an hour.
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Who is a care reciever?
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Care receivers are individuals in the congregation or community who are going through a crisis or life difficulty. Potential care receivers first meet with a pastor or Stephen Leader, who assesses their care needs and matches them with a Stephen Minister. The caring relationship lasts for as long as the need persists.
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Stephen Ministry multiplies blessings throughout the church and community.
Congregations carry out Christ’s commandment to “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12) in a powerful and practical way. Pastors have a team of gifted, trained, and committed lay caregivers ready to minister to hurting people. Laypeople nurture and use their gifts in meaningful ministry, growing spiritually as they serve others. People who are hurting have a caring Christian presence to provide emotional and spiritual support. In short, Stephen Ministry helps carry out the mission of the church. |
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