Here are a few FAQ’s for those who are curious about Stephen Ministry.

1. Why the name Stephen?

In the book of Acts, Stephen was chosen to provide caring ministry to those in need. Since the time of the Apostles, the caring ministry has been considered a hallmark of the Christian faith community.

2. What is a Stephen Minister?

Stephen Ministers are lay people trained to provide one-to-one Christ-centered care. They have a compassionate heart for those who are hurting, and they’ve been equipped with caring ministry skills by their congregation’s Stephen Leaders. A Stephen Minister typically has one care receiver at a time and meets with that person once a week to listen, care, pray, encourage, and offer emotional and spiritual support.

3. What is a Care Receiver?

A care receiver is a hurting individual who receives care from a Stephen Minister.

4. In what types of situations do Stephen Ministers provide care?

Stephen Ministry is appropriate for people experiencing: grief, divorce, cancer, hospitalization, physical rehabilitation, long-term care, terminal illness, job loss, loss of home, military deployment, the onset of a disability, spiritual crisis, or other life struggles.

5. Do Stephen Ministers care for people outside the congregation?

Yes. Stephen Ministers often provide care for people in the broader community, enhancing and expanding a congregation’s outreach in a powerful way.

6. What does the Stephen Ministry logo mean?

The Stephen Ministry logo represents a care receiver’s journey from brokenness toward wholeness through the cross of Jesus. In this way, it illustrates “Christ caring for people through people,” which is the Stephen Ministry motto.

For more information about Stephen Ministry, you can go to www.stephenministries.org or just look for one of our members with a blue name tag. If you would like the care of a Stephen Minister, please call Laura Eichner (women) or Ernie Klatt (men).