Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministry is an international Christ-centered program that equips congregation members to provide high-quality care to people who are hurting. It doesn’t matter what the source of the hurt is—loss of a friend or loved one, retirement, empty nest, worry, divorce, health problems, estrangement, and so forth. Click HERE for more information on Stephen Ministry.

Stephen Ministers (SMs) go through more than 50 hours of training to learn the skills they need to walk with people who are experiencing a life challenge. In addition, they meet bimonthly for spiritual support, supervision of the process, and professional development to hone their skills further. Our program currently has five SMs and two Stephen Leaders.

The relationship between a Stephen Minister and a care receiver is confidential; because of that, SMs are trained in maintaining confidentiality. An SM and his/her care receiver meet in-person or by telecommunication once a week for about an hour. One of the program’s mottos is, “A Stephen Minister is a caregiver; God is the cure giver.” An SM’s goal is to listen and guide a care receiver through a difficult time but will not make decisions for the individual.

If you or someone you know could use a listening ear, contact one of St. Paul’s Stephen Leaders, Pastor Shelia Preacher and Tricia Glidewell, or the church office for placement with a Stephen Minister. We are here to help!