Stephen Ministry is a one-to-one caring ministry of lay people in a congregation. Stephen Ministry was started in 1975 and today more than 12,000 congregations around the world participate. Stephen Ministers are congregation members trained to offer a high-quality, one-to-one Christian care to people 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. Twice a month, Stephen Ministers gather with their Stephen Leaders for peer supervision and continuing education.
We currently have six Stephen Ministers in our congregation. They listen, understand, accept and pray with their care receivers. What is said between a care receiver and Stephen Minister is kept in the strictest of confidence. While Pastor Wengert is our congregation’s primary care giver, Stephen Ministers help her provide an extended caring ministry.
Stephen Ministry can be a profoundly rewarding experience. Learning about self, faith, and relationship makes for a deep bond with one’s training class and, later, being present to help others who face difficulties and offering the benefits of the gospel is another experience of deep blessing.
Becoming a Stephen Minister requires dedication and a strong commitment. The 50-hour training program is presented over 26 weeks, meeting once a week for about 2 hours each time. We anticipate starting our next class in February. If this ministry is calling you, please complete and submit an application, which may be found in the foyer. The interview process will start in early December.
If you have questions or wish further information, please speak with Pastor Wengert, Sue Kuhn, Peggy Marks or Joy Wadleigh.