What Is Stephen Ministry?

“[God] consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:4)

Stephen Ministry is a newly reactivated lay caring ministry of our church that enables fellow members to care for one another in the way Paul describes above.  With over 1100 members, it’s impossible (and impractical) for myself and Pastor Blake to be able to take care of all the congregational care needs of our church.  So, our Stephen Ministry is therefore one of the vital complementary components of our overall Congregational Care Ministry. Find out more about this ministry HERE.

Stephen Ministers themselves are fellow church members who’ve gone through 60 hours of training to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care for people who’re facing a crisis or simply going through a tough time (*see below). Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, loneliness, cancer, a layoff, relocation, divorce, a spiritual crisis, recuperation, single parenthood, or any of countless other life challenges or hurts, our Stephen Ministers are here to care for you!

Your Stephen Minister will meet once a week for around an hour to listen to you, care for you, pray with and for you, and provide emotional and spiritual encouragement.  Men are matched with male Stephen Ministers, and women are matched with female Stephen Ministers. The caring relationship is free, and lasts for as long as you need care – it’s a powerful way either to receive help yourself, or also a great way to help a friend, neighbor, co-worker, or relative who’s been struggling in any way.

To find out more about how you or someone you know can be matched with one of our church’s confidential Stephen Ministers, either email stephenministry@lagrangefumc.org, speak in person with our Stephen Leader Miriam Kelly, or either to Pastors Blake or myself.

Our Stephen Ministers are here for YOU!  Always remember that God loves you and I do, too!

(*)  Stephen Ministers are not licensed counselors, therapists,  or mental health professionals.  They are trained and supervised Christian lay care-givers