Stephen Ministry

Steven Ministry

We all need a concerned, caring friend at difficult times in our lives. A Stephen Minister can listen and care for you or for someone you know who is going through a tough time.

Stephen Ministers

Are children of God who walk beside hurting people

Are lay Christians selected, trained and supervised by Stephen Leaders to provide effective Christian care

Make a commitment which includes 50 hours of initial training. ongoing supervisory meetings, and an average of one 1-hour visit per week with the person receiving their care

Are assigned to a care receiver by the Stephen Ministry Referrals Coordinator

Are named after St. Stephen, one of the first deacons in the early Christian church, commissioned by the apostles to care for the needs of people in the Christian community

Recognize this as a confidential ministry in which continuous effort is expended to maintain the body of trust between the person receiving care and the caregiver

Are a caring Christian friend who really listens

What is Stephen Ministry?

Stephen Ministry is a ministry in our congregation in which trained and supervised lay persons, called Stephen Ministers, provide one-to-one Christian care to individuals facing life challenges or difficulties. Stephen Ministry is grounded in Jesus’ command to love one another. Through one-to-one caring relationships, those who are hurting will receive the love and care they need to support them.

Everyone goes through difficult times. Having someone to care, to listen, to share God’s love with you can help you get through the confusion, stress, or loneliness you may be experiencing.

Stephen Ministers as Caregivers

Stephen Ministers are called to be caregivers

" Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
- Galatians 6:2

"Encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone."
- 1 Thessalonians 5:15b

God is the Curegiver

" Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you."
- Psalm 55:22a

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
- Matthew 11:28

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
- 1 Peter 5:7

Stephen Ministry helps meet the needs of individuals who are...

Hospitalized
Terminally ill
Bereaved
In a job crisis
Caregivers
Disabled
Shut-in
Lonely
In a spiritual crisis
Looking for a friend
Chronically ill
Adjusting to a new baby
Experiencing retirement changes
Elderly
Discouraged
Experiencing separation/divorce

A Stephen Minister is NOT…

A counselor or therapist
A problem-solver
A casual visitor
A family counselor (does not meet with youth or children)

Leah Grey
Director of Adult Ministry

leah@mtvpc.org