Stephen Ministry is a lay care ministry in which trained congregation members—called Stephen Ministers—provide one-to-one Christ-centered care to people who are hurting or going through tough times. A Stephen Minister usually provides care to one person at a time, meeting with that person once a week for about an hour.
Apply for a Stephen Minister
“Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
A Stephen Minister is
- a child of God who walks beside a hurting person
- a caring Christian who really listens
- a congregational member who has received intensive training in providing Christian care
- a trustworthy confidant who will keep everything you say—and even your identity—confidential
- someone who will faithfully meet with you weekly
A Stephen Minister is not
- a counselor or therapist
- a problem-solver
- someone who runs errands or helps with chores
- a casual visitor
Care Receiver Stories
About Care Receivers
Care receivers are people—congregation members and others in the community—who are people struggling through a difficult time in life such as:
- experiencing grief
- divorce
- job loss
- chronic or terminal illness
- or some other life crisis.
Caregiving Guidelines
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, a referral is made to an appropriate resource
Apply to Receive Care from a Stephen Minister
Receive Training to Becoming a Stephen Minister
If you are considering becoming a Stephen Minister, download the application, fill it out and return to the church. You may also use our online form.
Download Application Apply Online