Pastors will always be on the front lines of care, especially during times of crisis. But there are always many more needs for ongoing, one-to-one care than pastors can effectively meet by themselves.

Stephen Ministry provides a biblical solution-- equipping God's people for ministry. Gifted lay people are trained to support and extend the care that pastors continue to provide. Stephen Ministers reach out with God's love to people who are hurting, providing one-to-one care to those who are experiencing all kinds of life needs and circumstances, both in our congregation and community.

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.

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: the hospitalized, the terminally ill and their families, people who move into our out of our community, those grieving a death or serious loss, the homebound and institutionalized, prisoners and their families, those with a job crisis, the aging and elderly, those with disabilities and their families, those needing the support of a Christian friend, those facing life transitions, the separated or divorced, households experiencing birth or adoption, those in spiritual crisis.

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

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 a Christian community, and come to value ministry from another lay person while continuing contact with the pastor.

If you or someone you care about is hurting, struggling, discouraged, stressed, confused, or broken, please contact our church and ask about the Stephen Ministry program.