What is Stephen Ministry?

Stephen Ministry is an established program for organizing, equipping, and supervising congregation members who provide care. Stephen Ministers are taught how to give one-on-one, confidential, Christ-centered care to people in their parish and community. The ministry is designed to care for those in a crisis or experiencing a life issue, and all Stephen Ministers have received 50 hours of training in emotional and spiritual care. Ministers are there to listen, pray, and encourage for as long as the person receiving care has a need. All care is free, confidential, and open to the public.

To learn how to receive this confidential Christian care, email Kris Flater.

If you know someone in need of care...

If you know someone going through a difficult time who could benefit from Stephen Ministry, let them know you are concerned and care about them. Then, gently tell them about Stephen Ministry. You might say, “Saints John and Paul has trained lay ministers to walk with you during hard times.” Listen carefully to what they say. If they seem interested, ask permission to pass along their name and phone number. You could say, “I'd like to connect you with a Stephen Minister. They can tell you more, answer your questions, and help you decide whether Stephen Ministry is right for you. I think it would be good for you to talk to them. Can I have someone give you a call?”  If the person agrees, get his or her phone number and pass the information to Kris Flater.