Stephen Ministry
Mission Statement
The mission of Stephen Ministry is to transmit Christ’s love and care to hurting people along their journey from brokenness to wholeness. Stephen Ministers are faithful witnesses to the healing transformation possible through the grace of God. Stephen Ministry strengthens and supports the St. Luke family and the community with one-on-one relational connections.
What is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry is a complete system for training and organizing laypeople to provide one-to-one care to hurting people in the congregation and community. There are three main groups of people involved in Stephen Ministry:
-Stephen Leaders are lay leaders, church staff, and pastors trained by Stephen Ministries St. Louis to direct their congregation’s Stephen Ministry.
-Stephen Ministers are lay congregation members trained by their Stephen Leaders to provide care to hurting individuals.
-Care receivers are people who meet with a Stephen Minister to receive care while experiencing a difficult time in life.
The name Stephen Ministry comes from Stephen, one of the first laypeople commissioned by the Apostles to provide caring ministry to those in need (Acts 6:1-7).
Stephen Ministry Facts
- There are 13,000 congregations with Stephen Ministers
- In 180 denominations
- In all 50 states, 10 provinces in Canada and 30 countries around the world.
How Does Stephen Ministry Work
Care Receivers are recommended by their friends, family, or themselves to receive a Stephen Minister. Stephen Ministers typically meet with their care receiver once a week for about an hour, for as long as the need for care persists. Stephen Ministers also meet regularly with their fellow Stephen Ministers for support and continued training.
Who Can Be a Care Receiver
Do you know anyone in our congregation or community struggling through one of these situations? If so, they could benefit from meeting with a Stephen Minister. Watch this short video to see who might be a good candidate to receive care.
Grief (loss of a loved one, or other losses in life), major medical crisis (diagnosis, surgery, rehabilitation, ongoing health issues, hospitalization, hospice), job-related crises (loss, long-term unemployment, stress), divorce or broken relationship, challenges related to serving in the military, major life transition (new baby, adoption, parenting a grandchild, empty nest, retirement, relocation), financial difficulties (bankruptcy, mortgage, debt), difficult family situations (single parent, loved one with an addiction), or other crises in life.
Refer a friend (or yourself) to receive care. Referral Form (coming soon!)
What Are People Saying
Stephen Ministers
“Being a Stephen Minister has opened my eyes and heart about helping God reach out to people with all kinds of problems: death, divorce, loneliness, etc. This helped me realize that “I” can’t fix their problem, but I can be there for them, listen, talk, and comfort. Allow them to know only God has the power to fix what is broken, but walk with them, knowing they have a human shoulder to lean on, or cry on. This program has been uplifting for me and I am proud to be a caregiver to a person of God.” – Stephen Minister at St. Luke
“I had thought about becoming a Stephen Minister ever since my husband was one years ago. So when I heard the program was going to be offered here at St. Luke, I knew this was my opportunity to get involved. With the training I received, I realized I didn’t need a formal education to help people. All you need is a loving heart and to be a good listener. It is a blessing and an honor to serve God in this way.” – Stephen Minister at St. Luke
Care Receivers
Here are a few comments from one Care Receivers family: “Thank you for all the visits over the past few years to my mother. It has meant a lot to her and to all of us.” “”Your visits have helped to keep her engaged.”
“I live alone, don’t drive a car anymore. I chose to live in a cottage because I’m not a fan of apartment dwelling. My neighbors are nice but have more independent interests. My only son and daughter-in-law live about a two-hour drive from here. My only daughter and son-in-law live in Minnesota. So, I don’t see family often. My Stephen Minister helps brighten some very lonely spots. She visits once a week, is a Christian sister from my congregation and I feel free to confide in her. We have many common interests, e.g., children, gran- and great-grandchildren. We sometimes discuss ancestry, TV shows, movies, what’s happening at church, etc. Of course, we always have a period of prayer for those in our congregation who are sick and concerns either of us want to bring to God. The establishment of Stephen Ministry has been a beautiful gift from God; I’m so glad St. Luke has kind volunteers.” – Care receiver from St. Luke
How Can You Get Involved
You! If you are interested in supporting others going through a tough time in life, this ministry is for you. Contact Cheryl Vorhauer ([email protected]), Carol Angstadt ([email protected]), or Pastor Christopher Frye ([email protected]) for more information.
Recommend someone, or refer yourself, in need of a Stephen Minister. If you know someone who could benefit from a Stephen Minister’s services, please contact Pastor Christopher Frye ([email protected]) or 717-261-1213, or fill out the referral form (coming soon!).
Want to Know More
Here are a few videos of testimony from other Care Givers and Care Receivers around the world.
“My Stephen Minister is Truly a Gift”
Your Stephen Ministry Team at St. Luke
