top of page

What is Stephen Ministry?

​

Our congregation’s Stephen Ministry equips lay people to provide confidential, one-on-one Christian care to individuals in our congregation and community who are experiencing difficulties in their lives. Stephen Ministers are ready to provide emotional and spiritual care we need when faced with a crisis or difficulty, such as Loss of a loved one, hospitalization, divorce or separation, loneliness or discouragement, spiritual crisis, unemployment or a  job crisis, a terminal illness, incarceration, aging, birth, adoption, a chronic illness, relocation, recovery after an accident or disaster, and many more.

​

Stephen Ministers receive approximately 50 hours of training based solidly on Biblical testimony and drawing from the best tools of the health and psychological sciences before beginning their Caregiving work. Commissioned Stephen Ministers serve two-year terms, along with attending continuing education class.

Pray
Stephen Ministers pray daily for their care receivers and strive to worship God always in word and deed. They reveal the love of God to those who most need to see it.

​

Care for the Care Receiver
Stephen Ministers are assigned to care receivers – people in crisis who need caring support. Stephen Ministers care for those in moderate difficulties. The Stephen Minister’s care helps the care receiver resolve the difficulty and achieve growth. Most Stephen Ministers meet once a week with their care receivers for about an hour at a time. They may also check in with the care receiver by telephone, particularly when the care receiver is going through a difficult time. Stephen Ministers use special skills to care for their care receivers. Among the most important are the following:

  • Listening

  • Dealing with feelings

  • Sharing distinctively Christian caring resources

  • Remaining process-oriented

  • Relating assertively

  • Recommending professional care when necessary

 

Maintain Confidentiality
Stephen Ministers understand that confidentiality is crucial in any caring relationship. The care receiver needs to know that what he or she says to the Stephen Minister will remain in confidence. Stephen Ministers maintain confidentiality and encourage other Stephen Ministers to do the same.

​

Help Identify People in Need of Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministers act as ministers of referral, helping to find people who would benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister.

​

Participate in Monthly Supervision and Continuing Education Sessions
Stephen Ministers participate faithfully in Small Group Peer Supervision and continuing education, coming prepared to every supervision session unless illness or emergency makes attendance impossible. Supervision provides Stephen Ministers with support, guidance, and accountability for their caring relationships. There are no unsupervised Stephen Ministers.

​

Help the Congregation Understand and Appreciate Stephen Ministry
Through their service, Stephen Minister’s help the congregation appreciate Stephen Ministry and encourage members to become ministers of referral who help those in crisis receive the care they need.

Stephen Ministry contacts:

The Rev. Elisa Harres: 770.977.7473 or admin@peterandpaul.org

bottom of page