Stephen Ministry

What is a Stephen Minister?
A Stephen Minister is a child of God who walks beside a hurting person; a caring Christian friend who really listens; a lay person who has received 50 hours of training in how to provide distinctively Christian care.

Who can benefit from being referred to a Stephen Minister?
Individuals who are hospitalized; terminally ill; bereaved; in a job crisis; new members of the church; disabled; homebound; lonely; in a spiritual crisis; looking for a caring, Christian friend.

How does the referral process work?
The Stephen Ministry Referrals Coordinator learns about a need as a self-referral, from the pastor, or a friend, always with the person's permission. The Coordinator assigns a Stephen Minister to provide distinctively Christian care on a weekly basis with strict confidentiality.

What a Stephen Ministry is not:
A Stephen Ministry is not a counsellor or therapist, nor a problem- solver, nor a casual visitor.