Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministry is a complete system of training and organizing lay persons for caring ministry in and around congregations. It builds a strong and supportive ministry team between pastor and lay people who together bring God’s care to others. It enables the entire congregation to grow as a warm, loving, nurturing community.
Stephen Ministry is not intended to replace ministry of the pastor—rather, it is in addition to that care. Stephen Ministers are bound by their promise of confidentiality Stephen Ministers receive an initial 50 hours of training—with an additional 11 hours of continuing education in various aspects of Christian care giving throughout each year. They provide ongoing Christian care to people experiencing a wide range of life needs or crises, including:
- The hospitalized
- The terminally ill and their families
- People who are homebound
- Those with a job crisis
- The inactive in our congregation
- Those facing transitions in their lives
- The aging and elderly
- Those with disabilities and their families
- Those who are separated or divorced, the lonely
- Households experiencing birth or adoption
- New members in our church or community
People who receive ministry from Stephen Ministers:
- Receive quality Christian care
- Deepen their relationship with their Lord
- Increase their involvement in their congregation
- Willingly accept and value ministry from another lay person
Contact Pastor Sonntag for more information about Stephen Ministers