Church of the Apostles is a Stephen Ministry Church
Stephen Ministry is Christ caring for people through people. If you are going through a difficult time, consider having a Stephen Minister. If you know someone who is facing difficulties, suggest that they request Stephen Ministry.
What Is Stephen Ministry?
Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ
Galatians 6:2, NRSV
As part of Church of the Apostles’ pastoral care, Stephen Ministry offers a proven and effective way to organize, equip, and supervise a team of congregation members—called Stephen Ministers—to provide high-quality, one-to-one, Christ-centered care to people in the congregation and the community experiencing life difficulties.
Who’s Involved in Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Leaders are church staff, lay leaders, and pastors trained to provide ongoing leadership for their congregation’s Stephen Ministry. They are equipped for this key role through the Bridge Leader’s Training Course offered by Stephen Ministries St. Louis. Deacon Dan Thompson and Deacon Susan Godwin serve as Stephen Leaders at Church of the Apostles.
Stephen Ministers are congregation members trained by their Stephen Leaders to offer care to people who are hurting. A Stephen Minister typically has one care receiver at a time and meets with that person once a week for about an hour.
Care Receivers are individuals in the congregation or community who are going through a crisis or life difficulty. Potential care receivers first meet with a pastor or Stephen Leader, who assesses their needs for care and matches them with a Stephen Minister. The caring relationship lasts for as long as the need persists.
Stephen Ministry multiplies blessings throughout the church and community.
Congregations carry out Christ’s commandment to “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12 RSV) in a powerful and practical way.
Pastors have a team of gifted, trained, and committed lay caregivers ready to minister to hurting people.
Laypeople nurture and use their gifts in meaningful ministry, growing spiritually as they serve others.
People who are hurting have a caring Christian presence to provide emotional and spiritual support.
In short, Stephen Ministry helps carry out the mission of the church.
What Are Some Examples of Difficulties?
Death of a loved one
Disability or terminal illness
Divorce or separation of a spouse
Loss of job
Relocation
Difficult pregnancy or miscarriage
Family or domestic problems
Isolation or loneliness
Difficulties associated with aging
Important Notes
Stephen Ministers are not counselors. They are trained to be lay Christian caregivers. Their role is to listen and care, not to counsel or advise. Please do not refer to them as counselors.
Stephen Ministry is a supervised ministry. Stephen Ministers engage in twice-monthly supervision, led by their Stephen Leaders, to ensure that they are providing the best Christian care they can.
Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry.
Am I assured of confidentiality?
Confidentiality is the basis of all Stephen Ministry relationships. Anyone receiving care can be assured that his or her identity – and what is shared in a caring relationship – will remain private.
How Do I Get a Stephen Minister?
Simply visit us, call us at (251) 928-6622, or email Deacon Dan Thompson, Deacon Susan Godwin, or Fr. Robert Seawell. We will meet with you in person, explain how Stephen Ministry works, and assign a Stephen Minister to meet with you in-person on a weekly basis.
Click here to learn more about Stephen Ministry.
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