Often we think, “That’s the pastor’s job,” when referring to some aspect
of ministry. Ministry is not just the job (or better yet, the opportunity) of
the clergy. The opportunity and responsibility for doing ministry has
been given to all Christians. Many of our church people do this ministry
by teaching Sunday school, working in youth programs, serving com-
munion, and maintaining the church building. Many other ministries
could be named. One of those is our Stephen Ministry. There are some
new opportunities in Stephen Ministry.
We need additional Stephen Leaders and Stephen Ministers to expand our team. Stephen Leaders need
organizational, administrative or teaching skills and a love for the Lord. And both Leaders and Minis-
ters need to have a commitment to bringing Christ’s love to hurting people. New Leaders will work as
a team with the current Stephen Leaders to publicize, recruit and train Stephen Ministers, find people in
need of care, and provide support and continuing education for Stephen Ministers. There is an inten-
sive weeklong training for new Stephen Leaders held in various parts of the country six times a year.
A Stephen Minister is a trained listener who does not have to be an expert, but does need to be one who
can listen and keep confidential their work with a care receiver. Stephen Ministers are called to care for
those men and women who are struggling with the challenges of life. Common crises are aging, illness,
job crisis, loneliness, bereavement, terminal illness, separation or divorce. But there are many more
situations in which a Stephen Minister helps.
Stephen Ministry is a one-to-one ministry of weekly visits. It is a caring relationship that focuses on
the unique needs of each person and lasts as long as there is a need, usually a year or less. Each
Stephen Minister works with only one person at a time. Men work with men, and women work with
women. They are available to those who could benefit from some additional involvement so that we
may gently and lovingly provide the special attention they need to get through a current struggle.
Though we are in the early planning stage, if you feel you might be up to this challenge or if you have
some questions, contact a Stephen Minister or a Stephen Leader.