Stephen Ministry is...
a program of our congregation 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 our congregation and community.

• Is life more than you can handle alone right now?
• Are your health, your attitude or your relationships suffering?
• Are you adjusting to a new job, change in marital status, a serious illness, the death of a loved one, a recent move?
• Would you like to have someone in your life who really cares?
  

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 Ministry is a confidential ministry: those receiving care can be sure that their identity and what goes on in the caring relationship will remain private.

Stephen Ministers are committed Christian people who...

• express God's care through their lives to others;
• receive 50 hours of initial training in important caring ministry skills and concepts;
• are commissioned as Stephen Ministers after completing their initial training;
• visit another person regularly and dependably and offer Christian support and care;
• participate in regular support and supervision under the guidance of trained Stephen Leaders;
• are committed to preserving the confidential nature of the caring relationship;
• serve for at least two years;
• receive continuing education and skill building throughout their years of service.

Meets the Needs of People
There are times when each of us needs the care of another person, a Christian friend, a Stephen Minister! These needs include but are not limited to...

Multiplies our Christian Caregiving and Outreach
Our Stephen Ministers work together with our pastors 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 our outreach by...

• creating a "caring ministry explosion" where many instead of a few are offering God's love and care in intentional, systematic ways.
• enabling our entire congregation to grow as a warm, loving, nurturing community where people are cherished and cared for in Jesus Christ.
• identifying our congregation to our community as a place where people's needs are taken seriously