Stephen Ministry at Faith
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.
The Blessings of Stephen Ministry
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.
Care Receivers Tell Their Stories
Over the years, well over one-and-a-half million people have benefited from the one-to-one, Christ-centered care of a Stephen Minister. This care is entirely confidential—no one knows the identity of a care receiver except for their Stephen Minister and the pastor or Stephen Leader who paired them together. The care receivers featured here and on the page linked below willingly volunteered to share their stories as a way to share the value of Stephen Ministry in their lives.
What Care Receivers are Saying
“After my wife and I suffered the loss of a child through a miscarriage, a Stephen Minister walked beside me as I navigated through the loss and accompanying grief. The comfort he offered me through listening and being a caring Christian presence was palpable, and helped me work through my emotions, confusion, and anger with God to move forward confidently without fear or regret. I am forever grateful for the care and ministry I received, and pray that others navigating the difficulties of life find the same comfort and healing through this valuable ministry.”
– Albert
What Stephen Ministers are Saying
“The Stephen Ministry Training is something I wish I had learned in my younger years. It teaches how to be a better companion, a way to minister to others without feeling that it’s a ministry. There is joy in knowing that you are physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually present with someone who may be grieving a loss, feeling lonely or detached, or shut in and just in need of company. It is a rewarding ministry on many levels.”
– Gloria
“For the last 6 or 7 years, Jesus has been giving me opportunities to minister to others, just as a Stephen Minister would. It’s been no coincidence; after all, Jesus is holding this whole thing together, being the CURE giver, as we minister as the CARE giver. In this new chapter of my life however, the Lord is now giving me the wonderful privilege of ministering with other followers of Jesus, while also receiving amazing formal training in how to better listen & care for others…while Jesus heals through those seemingly simple, yet powerful process goals. One very important thing I’d like highlight about the Stephen Ministry is this: I love how they put a lot of focus on us working together. There is quite a bit of attention on what we call Supervision where all the Stephen Ministers come together once a month to encourage, lift up, and guide each other as we minister to our individual care receivers. I am very thankful for this & all the other practical training we have received; and I am truly excited to see how God will work & heal through us, as we journey on this adventure together.”
– Dale
"Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."