What is a Stephen Minister?

Stephen Ministers are lay congregation members trained to provide one-to-one care to those experiencing a difficult time in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, or relocation. A Stephen Minister is not a counselor or problem-solver but a compassionate Christian presence—someone who offers confidential care, faithful listening, and the reminder that no one has to go through hard times alone. After being matched with a person experiencing a life crisis, the Stephen Minister meets with that person on a weekly basis to listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support. The caring relationship lasts as long as the need for care exists.

Stephen Minister Training – October 13-March 23

Our parish is seeking caring, dependable people who feel called to share God’s love in this special way. If you are a good listener, have a heart for people who are hurting, and are willing to be trained for this ministry of care, please prayerfully consider becoming a Stephen Minister. Your presence could bring hope, healing, and encouragement to someone who needs it most, while you will grow spiritually and gain skills to use not only in your caring ministry but also in your everyday relationships with family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Stephen Ministers commit to at least two years for training and service. Being a Stephen Minister may be one of the most fulfilling and transformative ministries you will ever experience!

Learn more below and email the Rev. Thom Peters, associate rector, or Jaqueline Whalen, our Stephen Ministry leader, to express interest in training.

Stephen Minister training:

• teaches principles and skills that equip you to provide high-quality, Christ-centered emotional and spiritual care to others;
• gives you new insight into the thoughts, feelings, and actions of people who are hurting;
• equips you with relational and caring skills you can apply to all aspects of your life;
• helps deepen your faith as the Holy Spirit fashions you into a Christ-centered caregiver;
• builds a special bond of Christian community and camaraderie among those in your class; and
• is highly interactive, engaging, and a lot of fun!

Stephen Ministers share about their training:

“God gave me a heart for other people. Stephen Minister training gave me the skills I needed to minister to people and bring God’s love into their lives during a time of deep need.” – Charlotte | Manager-Care/Case Management | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

“Stephen Minister training taught me not just how to be a caregiver but how to live life in a new way—being Christ to other people.” – Mike | Carpenter | Kennesaw, Georgia

“Stephen Minister training has helped me grow—personally, spiritually, and professionally. I use my Stephen Minister skills all the time with patients, peers, and physicians.” – Anna | Registered Nurse | Hendersonville, Tennessee

“Stephen Minister training has enhanced every relationship I have. Now I can listen and be there without feeling like I need to rush in and try to fix things. (My 15-year-old finds this a great blessing!) I’m much more at peace in difficult situations because I realize that it’s not me—but Christ within me—who does the work.” – Susan | Licensed Massage Therapist | Saint Petersburg, Florida

A Life-Changing Experience for the Care Receiver

Stephen Ministers have cared for over one-and-a-half million people in one-to-one caring relationships—and they have touched countless more lives with compassionate understanding and encouragement. Use the link below to hear stories of those who have received care.