Stephen Ministry
Provides distinctively Christian, one-to-one, gender specific, confidential care to those experiencing difficulties in their lives. Grief, divorce, financial setbacks, retirement, family or spiritual struggles are just a few examples. Pastors will always be on the front lines of care, especially in times of crisis, but there are always more needs for ongoing care than pastors can effectively meet by themselves.
Stephen Minsters receive 50 hours of initial training in caring ministry skills and concepts, plus ongoing continuing education, support, and supervision. They are not therapists, problem solvers or casual visitors, but lay people trained to listen and lift hurting people to God, who is the Cure giver.
Stephen Ministry Featured on PBS
The PBS “Religion and Ethics” news show recently aired an eight-minute feature on Stephen Ministry that vividly describes the life-changing ministry happening in thousands of congregations.
As well as the Stephen Ministry feature, the PBS Web site also offers several bonus features—including a nine-minute interview with Stephen Ministries’ founder and executive director, Kenneth C. Haugk.