About Stephen Ministry

What is Stephen Ministry?

Stephen Ministry is a lay caring ministry by specially trained persons who reach out to help others in time of need or crisis. A Stephen Minister visits one to one with the person who has the need of caring, listening, helpful person. A Stephen Minister is a dedicated Christian, faithful to the task of caring for another person.

Where did Stephen Ministry originate?

Stephen Ministry began more than 25 years ago. A pastor-counselor, Kenneth Haugk, realized that the pastoral needs of his new parish overwhelmed the time and skills of one minister. He trained a few dedicated lay persons to help him. Now Stephen Ministry is in 8,000 congregations around the world, and more than 300,000 lay people have been trained to be Stephen Ministers. The headquarters is in St. Louis, MO.

Who can be a Stephen Minister?

Stephen Ministers are those who have the gifts of encouragement, mercy, caring and serving, as well as a solid relationship with our Lord, Jesus Christ. With 50 hours of special training and role-playing a prospective Stephen Minister is well equipped to listen, guide and care for another person.

For more information about joining the Stephen Ministers or to request assistance from a Stephen Minister, please contact the church office at 281-332-5553.