Stephen Ministry

What is

Stephen Ministry?

Help, Hope & Healing


Pastors will always be on the front lines of care, especially during times of crisis. But there are always many more needs for ongoing, one-to-one care than pastors can effectively meet by themselves. Our congregation’s Stephen Ministry equips lay-people to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to people in our congregation and community who are experiencing difficulties in their lives.


Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry. The identity of those receiving care and everything they discuss with a Stephen Minister remain private. They provide a thoroughly biblical solution --equipping God’s people for ministry. Gifted lay people receive training to support and extend the care that pastors continue to provide.


Stephen Ministry reaches out with God’s love to people who are hurting --congregation members and nonmembers alike. The logo symbolizes that we are all broken people --and that only Jesus can make us whole.

What Does A Stephen Minister Do?

A Stephen Minister is:

  • A child of God who walks beside someone who is hurting
  • A congregation member who is carefully selected to serve in this role because of his or her caregiving gifts
  • A layperson with 50 hours of training in providing high-quality, distinctively Christian care
  • A caring Christian friend who listens, cares, prays, supports, and encourages
  • Someone who meets faithfully each week with his or her care receiver for as long as there’s a need


Stephen Ministers provide emotional and spiritual care during life’s difficult seasons while reflecting Christ’s love through compassionate presence and support.

Who Can Receive Care?

We all experience challenges in life --times where we could benefit from care and support. Stephen Ministers can provide the emotional support and spiritual care when faced with a crisis or difficulty such as:

  • Loss of a loved one
  • Hospitalization
  • Divorce or seperation
  • Loneliness or discouragement
  • Spiritual crisis
  • Unemployment or a job crisis
  • A terminal illness
  • Incarceration
  • Aging
  • Birth, adoption, miscarriage, or infertility
  • A chronic illness
  • Relocation
  • Recovery after an accident or disaster
  • Many other life challenges

Receive Care or Get Involved

You play an important role in our Stephen Ministry. Here’s what you can do:

  • Pray for God to bring hope and healing to hurting people through our Stephen Ministry.
  • Accept care from a Stephen Minister during your time of need. God doesn’t expect you to bear your burdens alone.
  • Tell a friend, neighbor, coworkers, or relative who is hurting about Stephen Ministry.
  • If you are a compassionate person and a good listener, prayerfully consider becoming a Stephen Minister.


Stephen Leaders in our congregation support and direct our Stephen Ministry and are available to answer questions, connect people with care, and help others learn more about becoming a Stephen Minister.


If you could benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister, know someone who might benefit, or would like more information, please contact the church office or use the link below to connect with one of our church Stephen Ministers.

Contact Christie & Cindy

Stephen Ministries is a not-for-profit Christian educational organization based in St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 1975, Stephen Ministries provides training and resources to thousands of congregations and organizations worldwide.


Log on to www.stephenministries.org to learn more