Stephen Ministry assists those who are bereaved, elderly, lonely or discouraged, terminally ill and their families, home-bound or institutionalized, disabled and their families, in job crisis, affected by the loss of employment, experiencing a spiritual crisis, facing life transitions, separated or divorced, experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, affected by accidental or natural disaster, new members in the congregation or community, imprisoned and their families, parents with children leaving home, experiencing the birth or adoption of a child, single parents, experiencing the stress of moving … to name only a few life challenges! Note that some of the "needs for care" are positive events in peoples' lives - having a baby, becoming new members of a community, etc. Change of any kind, for the better, or the worse, may create a "need for care" situation.

All are welcome and invited to receive this ministry - congregation members, their families and friends, and members of the community. A phone call to the Caring Ministries office begins the referral process. You can also initiate the referral process by contacting our clergy or any Stephen Minister wearing the distinctive blue Stephen Minister name badge.

Stephen Ministers provide:

Stephen Ministers who have completed the 50+ hours of training and are commissioned in a congregational ceremony are ready to provide care and participate in bimonthly supervision and monthly continuing education meetings. Stephen Ministers are then linked with a care receiver. Stephen Leaders prayerfully match gifts of Stephen Ministers with needs of care receivers and the caring bond quickly grows.

The need for professionally trained care providers will always be required in certain situations; and, as part of their training, Stephen Ministers are taught to recognize and respect a possible need for referral. Counselors have received special training in mental health and intervention. Stephen Ministers are equipped to listen, care, and spiritually "walk with" their care receivers. Stephen Ministers work with individuals. They do not work with children, groups, or families. Since they are caregivers, not counselors, they do not work in situations that require the skills of a training helping professional. In some circumstances, Stephen Ministers will provide care to a person who is already involved with a professional, but only with that professional's knowledge and permission.