Stephen Ministry

The Stephen Ministry Program at St. Luke's Methodist Church equips lay persons to provide distinctively Christian one-on-one care to those who are experiencing all kinds of life difficulties and circumstances. St Luke's began its Stephen Ministry Program in the fall of 1996.

Stephen Ministry is a nationwide program and was named after Stephen, the first lay person appointed by the Disciples to "go out and help meet the needs of the people."

Stephen Ministers Are:

• Confidential
• Non-judgmental
• Dependable
• Good listeners
• Christian friends

Stephen Ministers Are NOT:

• Professional counselors
• Ordained pastors
• Problem "fixers"

There are times when each of us may need the care and compassion of another person. We have found that a Christian friend, a Stephen Minister, can provide this needed support, and help the "care receiver" get through the difficult time. Some of those times of need might include:

• Hospitalization or suffering from a serious illness
• Grieving following a death or serious loss
• Experiencing a job loss
• Issues or concerns of those experiencing a divorce
• Problems facing the elderly
• Personal struggles within a family
• Isolation following incarceration
• Spiritual crisis or feelings of abandonment
• Any other circumstance that could be made easier with the support of a Christian friend.

How to Become a Stephen Minister

St Luke's offers the 50 hours of formal Stephen Ministry training during the period from September to March each year. Our Stephen Ministers-in-training meet on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-9PM. During the weekly training classes, we study listening skills and assertiveness, as well as how best to minister to someone with a particular need. Following the 50 hours of training, Stephen Ministers attend regular supervision sessions.

To submit an application to become a Stephen Minister complete one online or download a pdf form to mail in..  For further information, please contact Mary Katherine Schnitz.

How to Speak to a Stephen Minister

You can receive additional information about the St. Luke's Stephen Ministry Program by speaking to any of our pastors, or contacting Mary Katherine Schnitz. All conversations concerning Stephen Ministry are strictly confidential. 

You may download a Stephen Ministry Referral Form for yourself or someone you know.  Submit this form to Mary Katherine Schnitz.

Links

• www.stephenministries.org