a program that equips lay persons to provide distinctively Christian
one-to-one care to those who are experiencing all kinds of life needs
and circumstances, both in the congregation of the church and community.
Stephen Leaders are...
pastors, church staff, and/or lay persons who have completed a seven-day
Stephen Series Leader’s Training Course and are commissioned to lead the
Stephen Ministry of the congregation.
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These needs include but are not limited to...
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Stephen Ministry is confidential ministry: those receiving care can be sure that their identity and what goes on in the caring relationship will remain private.
Stephen Ministers work together with their pastor(s) to reach more people with Christian care than pastors can reach by themselves.
- People who receive care from a Stephen Minister-
- receive quality Christian care,
- deepen their relationship with their Lord,
- grow in their desire to participate in Christian community,
- come to value ministry from another lay person while continuing contact with the pastor.
- Stephen Ministry enhances outreach by ...
- creating a “caring ministry explosion” where many instead of few are offering God’s love and care in intentional, systematic ways.
- enabling the entire congregation to grow as a warm, loving, nurturing community where people are cherished and cared for in Jesus Christ.
- identifying the congregation to the community as a place where people’s needs are taken seriously.
How You Can Support Stephen Ministry
- Pray for Stephen Leaders and Stephen Ministers as they provide Christian care to others.
- Pray for all who are receiving confidential care through the Stephen Ministry.
- Tell Stephen Leaders about those who might benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister - be sure to get that person’s permission first!
- Tell others in the community about the availability of Stephen Ministry and the care that it can provide.
- Receive Stephen Ministry when you are in need of supportive Christian care.
- Consider serving as a Stephen Minister.
- Support Stephen Ministry with your financial gifts.
Information for this page was used by permission, and taken from a Stephen Series pamphlet I received from Village Presbyterian Church in Prairie Village, Kansas. If you would like more information about Stephen Ministries, the address and phone number can be found below. You may also be able to locate a church in your area that is enrolled in the Stephen Series.
Stephen Ministries
2045 Innerbelt Business Center Drive
St. Louis, Missouri 63114-5765
(314) 428-2600
Stephen Ministry is new to me. It was my Dad's interest in it that caused me to look more closely into it. What I have found has impressed me enough to want to set up this page. There are so many wonderful things about Stephen Ministry that aren't necessarily listed above. For example, a Stephen Minister is not a problem solver or counselor. What most of us don't need is more advice. A Stephen Minister is someone who will be unconditionally caring and committed. In my opinion, that is what most of us want in our time of need. Also, Stephen Ministry is an Interdenominational ministry. If you have a personal need, or know someone who would benefit from this type of caring, don't hesitate to locate a Stephen Minister in your area.
The midi that you may hear in the background is called Lord, I lift Your Name on High by Rick Founds. Special thanks to The Midi Farm for the song and the words seen below.
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