Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministry Care Corner…in the Signal Pres Library!

Are you or a loved one struggling with Alzheimer’s, grief, depression, anxiety, an eating disorder, debt, marriage problems, care giving? Visit the library and get information about these and other life issues.

You don’t have to do this alone!

What exactly IS Stephen Ministry?

Stephen Ministry is a ministry of our congregation in which trained and supervised lay persons, called Stephen Ministers, provide one-on-one Christian care to individuals facing life challenges or difficulties.

What do Stephen Ministers do?

Stephen Ministers are caring Christian friends who listen, understand, accept, and pray for and with care receivers who are working through a crisis or a tough time.

Are Stephen Ministers counselors?

Stephen Ministers are not counselors; they are trained lay caregivers. Their role is to listen and care – not to give advice or counsel. Stephen Ministers are also trained to recognize when a care receiver’s need exceeds what they can provide. When that happens, they work with care receivers to help them receive the level of care they really need.

Can I trust a Stephen Minister?

Trust is essential to a caring relationship, and Stephen Ministers are people you can trust. Confidentiality is one of the most important principals of Stephen Ministry, and what a care receiver tells his or her Stephen Minister is kept in strictest confidence.

How can someone receive care from a Stephen Minister?

Margaret Ferguson is our Stephen Leader who coordinates referrals. If you or someone you know could benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister, you can talk to her, to one of our pastors, or to any of our other Stephen Leaders (Petie Corell, Leah Conner, or Mary Wray).

“Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

To request a Stephen Minister, contact Margaret Ferguson using this form (your request is confidential), or call (423) 886-2190.