​Stephen Ministry was established in 1975 and can be found in congregations from more than 190 Christian denominations, across the U.S. and Canada and in 30 other countries. 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 Ministers

… are trained lay caregivers who provide emotional and spiritual support to individuals experiencing difficult times in life, offering hope and healing amid their pain.

… provide confidential, one-to-one, Christ-centered care to those experiencing a difficult time in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, or relocation.

… have been trained how to listen to, care for, and walk with those going through difficult times in life.

Stephen Ministers come from all walks of life, but they all share a passion for bringing Christ’s love and care to people during a time of need.

Who are the care receivers?

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. 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 Stephen Minister meets with their Care Receiver on a weekly basis to listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support. The caring relationship lasts for as long as the need for care exists.

For more information about this ministry, please contact:

Laura Myers via email or at 443.920.9185

What is a Stephen Minister?