If you are facing a life challenge and would like someone who will listen, perhaps a Stephen Minister is for you.
Stephen Ministry provides a trusted and effective framework for training, organizing, and supporting congregation members—known as Stephen Ministers—to offer compassionate, Christ-centered, one-on-one care to individuals in the church and the wider community who are facing life challenges.
What is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry provides a trusted and effective framework for training, organizing, and supporting congregation members—known as Stephen Ministers—to offer compassionate, Christ-centered, one-on-one care to individuals in the church and the wider community who are facing life challenges.
Who are Stephen Ministers?
Stephen Ministers are members of your congregation trained to provide on-on-one, Christ-centered care. They have a compassionate heart for those who are hurting, and they‘re equipped with caring ministry skills by your 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.
What is the first step to finding my Stephen Minister?
The first step is to meet with a Pastor or a Stephen Leader. They will listen to your needs, assess the appropriate level of care, and, if appropriate, match you with a Stephen Minister. Your caring relationship will continue for as long as you need support.
In what types of situations do Stephen Ministers provide care?
Grief
Major Medical Crisis
Job-Related Crisis
Divorce or Broken Relationship
Chronic Care Situation
End oof Life or Hospice Situation
Challenges related to serving in the military
Major Life Transitions
Financial Difficulties
Challenges related to trying to start or add to a family
Difficult family situations
Incarceration
Spiritual Crisis or struggling with faith questions
Aftermath of a disaster or tragic event
Victimized by Crime
The after affects of suicide
Loneliness Friends moving away
Dealing other’s drug addictions
Kids leaving for college
Isolation
What is the Importance of Confidentiality in Stephen Ministry
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of Stephen Ministry. It means that everything shared between a Stephen Minister and their care receiver stays private.
This is important because it:
Builds trust so care receivers feel safe to open up.
Honors dignity by protecting sensitive and personal stories.
Creates a safe space for healing and spiritual growth.
Upholds the ministry’s integrity and ethical standards.
Follows clear guidelines, with confidentiality only broken in cases of danger or harm.
Is there a fee associated with receiving care from a Stephen Minister?
No
Where, when, and how long do we meet?
You and your Stephen Minister will work together to schedule the dates, times, and locations for your caring visits. Each visit will last an hour.
Do Stephen Ministers care for people outside their congregation?
Yes. Stephen Ministers often provide care for people in the broader community, enhancing and expanding outreach in a powerful way.
Who can I contact to request a Stephen Minister?
Pastor Trudy Stoffel
630-661-1016 Cell
630-232-7062 Office
Stephen Ministry Leaders
Holly Parks
630-697-1186
Jennifer Gill
630-659-7388