Did this graphic catch your eye? If so, that’s good, because there is much about Stephen Ministry that “bears” repeating. Stephen ministry was founded in 1975 by Rev. Kenneth C. Haugk. What started as one pastor’s idea to train lay people to provide support to those who are facing life crisis has grown to be a multi-nation, multi denomination ministry.
More than 13,000 congregations have enrolled in Stephen Ministry.
- There are 180 Christian denominations, across the U.S. and Canada and in 30 other countries.
- More than 75,000 pastors and lay leaders from those congregations have been equipped at Leader’s Training Courses.
- More than 600,000 laypeople have received Stephen Minister training.
- More than one-and-a-half-million people have had a Stephen Minister to walk with them, providing one-to-one Christian care during tough times.
The Stephen Ministry headquarters in St. Louis is a “den” of resource materials for the ministry program. There are books and courses available. Some of these books have been discussed in the Adult Forum and are available in the library. The “Journeying Through Grief” booklets are part of the ministry program here at St. Matthew. Headquarters also maintains a list of active ministries so if someone would like to find a Stephen Minister for family or friend who is not in our congregation one of our Stephen Leaders can call St. Louis and help find a caregiver.
It’s amazing that Stephen Ministry can provide the level of support for such a large organization with a modest staff. Clearly, they are not “hibernating” in St. Louis!
Blessings to you all,
Trish Myers, Stephen Leader