Stephen Ministry

²"Bear on another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
Galatians 6:2

What is the Stephen Ministry?
The Stephen Ministry was founded on the principle of Christ caring for people through people. Established in 1975, Stephen Ministries is a not-for-profit Christian educational organization based in St. Louis, Missouri, that provides training and resources to thousands of congregations and organizations worldwide - including our Stephen Leaders at Good Shepherd.

The Stephen Ministry Helps Assist Pastoral Care
Pastors will always be on the front lines of care, especially during times of crisis. But there are always many more needs for ongoing, one-to-one care than pastors can effectively meet by themselves. Stephen Ministry provides a biblical solution - equipping God’s people for ministry. Gifted lay people are trained to support and extend the care that pastors continue to provide. Stephen Ministers from Good Shepherd reach out with God’s love to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to individuals in our congregation and community who are experiencing difficulties in their lives.

A Stephen Minister is...

¹²"To equip the saints for the work of ministry."
Ephesians 4:12

• A child of God who walks beside a person who is hurting
• A congregation member with gifts for care-giving, who was carefully selected to serve in this role
• A lay person who has received 50 hours of training in providing emotional and spiritual care
• A caring, Christian friend who listens, cares, prays, supports and encourages
• Someone who will "be there" for his or her care receiver, meeting faithfully for about an hour each week, for as long as there's a need

Stephen Ministers Are Ready to Care for

People Facing Tough Times

³⁴"Love one another — as I have loved you."
John 13:34

We all experience challenges in life — times when we could benefit from the support of a caring Christian friend. Stephen Ministers are ready to provide the emotional and spiritual care we need when faced with a crisis or difficulty such as:

• Loss of a loved one
• Hospitalization
• Recovery after an accident or disaster
• A terminal or chronic illness
• Divorce or separation
• Birth, adoption, miscarriage, or infertility
• Unemployment or a job crisis
• Spiritual crises
• Loneliness or discouragement
• Aging
• Relocation
• Incarceration
• And many more...

Stephen Ministry Is Your Ministry

¹¹"Therefore encourage one another and build up each other."
1 Thessalonians 5:11

You play an important role in our Stephen Ministry. Here's what you can do:

• Pray for God to bring hope and healing to hurting people through our Stephen Ministry.
• Accept care from a Stephen Minister during your time of need. God doesn’t expect you to bear your burdens alone.
• Tell someone who is hurting - a friend, neighbor, coworker, or relative - about our Stephen Ministry.
• If you are a good listener and a compassionate person, prayerfully consider becoming a Stephen Minister.

Stephen Ministry in Our Congregation

Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry - the identity of those receiving care and what takes place in each caring relationship remains completely private.

The PBS "Religion and Ethics" news show recently aired an eight-minute feature on Stephen Ministry that vividly describes the life-changing ministry happening in thousands of congregations.   You'll also find several bonus features--including a nine-minute interview with Stephen Ministries' founder and executive director, Kenneth C. Haugk.

• Could you benefit from the confidential, one-to-one care and support of a Stephen Minister?
• Is there someone else you know - perhaps a friend, neighbor, coworker or relative - who could also benefit from Stephen Ministry?
• Do you have any other questions about our Stephen Ministry or are you possibly interested in becoming a Stephen Minister?

If so, please contact Pastor Tom Schoenherr, call our church office at 636-391-6685, or go to www.stephenministries.org to learn more.