Stephen Ministry

Are You Going Through a Difficult Season of Life?

Stephen Ministry offers peer-led support for those going through a time of life that might feel difficult, overwhelming or lonely, by providing them with a trained “Stephen Minister”—someone who can meet with them once weekly to talk and offer support and unconditional regard to them and what they are going through.

These Stephen Ministers—people from our own congregation—have been trained to learn how to be image bearers of Jesus with grace, mercy, compassion, and patience for those in our congregation who might need emotional support.

We want to invite you to reach out to us. If you are going through a difficult season of life—like a death in the family, infertility, job loss, difficult medical diagnoses, or another significant life challenge, we would love to connect you with a trained Stephen Minister that could talk with you. This process is confidential, and once you are connected to a Stephen Minister, that will also remain confidential.

Learn, Grow, & Serve by Becoming a Stephen Minister!

Would you like to be a part of a ministry that gives people care and support when they need it most—while making a difference in your own life?
Consider applying to become a Stephen Minister!

Stephen Ministers are members of our congregation who provide one-to-one caring ministry to people experiencing grief, divorce, loneliness, job loss, hospitalization, and many other life difficulties.

As a Stephen Minister, you’ll be equipped to provide a very high level of care. After your training, our Stephen leaders will match you with someone in need of care—men are matched with men, women with women. You’ll meet with that person once a week to listen, care, pray, encourage, and reflect Christ’s presence in his or her life. Stephen Ministry is life-changing for both the care receiver and the Stephen Minister. As an added bonus, your Stephen Minister skills can enhance relationships in other areas of your life as well.

FAQ

How do I become a Stephen Minister?

The first step to becoming a Stephen Minister is to complete this application. Our team will respond from there. If you are approved as a potential Stephen Minister, you will be required to attend a 20-session Stephen Ministry training. The next training start date is TBD.

Who can attend the training?

The training is a required step for those who are ready to become Stephen Ministers, and there will also be a limited number of spots available for those who would like to attend the class as a “student auditor.”

Anyone who is interested in attending the training should apply here

What happens in Stephen Ministry training?

Stephen Minister training . . .

• …teaches principles and skills that equip you to provide high-quality, Christ-centered emotional and spiritual care to others.

• …gives you new insight into the thoughts, feelings, and actions of people who are hurting.

• …equips you with relational and caring skills you can apply to all aspects of your life.

• …helps deepen your faith as the Holy Spirit fashions you into a Christ-centered caregiver.

• …builds a special bond of Christian community and camaraderie among all those in your class.

• …is highly interactive, engaging, and a lot of fun!

—from the Stephen Ministry Website

When is the Stephen Ministry training?

The training consists of 20 sessions—most are 2.5 hours long. The next training session dates are TBD.

I have more questions. Who should I talk to?

if you have additional questions about Stephen Ministry, we’d love to talk to you! Complete this interest form and someone from our team will respond to you soon.