Stephen Ministry

What is Stephen Ministry and what are Stephen Ministers?

Stephen Ministry is a lay caregiving ministry that supplements pastoral care by equipping and empowering lay caregivers called Stephen Ministers to provide high quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to people who are hurting.  Stephen Ministers receive over 50 hours of in-class training in addition to over 50 hours of at home study.  The confidential care-giver and care-receiver relationship, usually conducted by weekly visits, may continue for months or years as the Stephen Minister listens, encourages, prays and walks alongside their care receiver.    

Does a Stephen Minister replace Pastor?

No!  A Stephen Minister will supplement the care that you receive from Pastor, not replace him.  Many pastors say that Stephen Ministry deepens, expands and extends the caregiving capacity of their congregations. Our team of Stephen Ministers, together with pastor, can provide ongoing care to more people than pastor could alone.