Worship: Sundays at 10:30am

When you or someone you know is in need of care...
Stephen Ministers are here!

"Christ Caring for People through People"

Stephen Ministry at St. Paul's is grounded in Jesus' command to love one another. Through our Confidential, one-to-one caring relationships, those who are hurting receive the love and support they need.

  • Is life more than you can handle right now?
  • Are your health, your attitude, or your relationships suffering?
  • Are you adjusting to a new job, change in marital status, a serious illness, the death of a loved one, or a recent move?
  • Would you like to have someone in your life who really cares?
  • Everyone goes through difficult times. Having someone to care, to listen, and to share God's love with you can help you get through the confusion, stress, or loneliness you may be experiencing.

What is Stephen Ministry?

Stephen Ministers are trained to assist the clergy in the care and nurturing of a congregation and greater community. A Stephen Minister will meet with you on a pre-determined regular, weekly basis to be a listening, caring friend. We offer distinctively Christian care to those in need.

A Stephen Minister is...

  • A child of God who walks beside a person who is hurting
  • A caring, Christian friend who takes the time to really listen and not judge.
  • A lay person who has received over 50 hours of training in how to provide distinctively Christian care in a completely confidential manner
  • Committed to Confidentiality

What Stephen Ministry is NOT...

  • Professional counselors or therapists
  • A problem-solver
  • A casual visitor

What are the needs with which Stephen Ministry can help?

We can help those who are:
  • Hospitalized or experiencing a long-term illness or disability
  • Experiencing the loss of a loved one
  • Discouraged or in a spiritual crisis
  • Experiencing a life crisis such as separation, divorce, empty nest, or retirement
  • Aging or moving to a care facility

How Exactly does the referral system work?

  • A person--either you, a relative, or a friend is hurting and in need of Christian care.
  • The Stephen Ministry Referrals Coordinator learns about this need for care from our pastor, a friend, or from the person in need of care and only after the person in need has granted permission.
  • The Referrals Coordinator meets with the person to talk about Stephen Ministry.
  • With permission, the Referral Coordinator assigns a Stephen Minister to meet on a weekly basis with that person.
  • The Stephen Minister provides distinctively Christian and strictly confidential care.

The "After" People

People often ask, "What exactly is a Stephen Minister?" One way to put it is that Stephen Ministers are the After People. Stephen Ministers are there: ... AFTER the phone call you hoped you'd never get...AFTER the divorce papers are served and the bottom falls out of your life...AFTER the funeral, when everyone has left and the emotions you've held at bay come crashing in on you...AFTER the doctor says, "I'm sorry, but there's nothing more we can do." AFTER the last child honks the horn, waves, and drives away...and the house suddenly seems empty. ....AFTER the baby arrives, demanding more of you than you ever dreamed possible. ...AFTER your family and friends have heard your story one too many times, but you still need to talk it out.
Stephen Ministers are the "After People." They are ready to come alongside you -- or your friends, neighbors, coworkers, or relatives--and provide comfort and support for as long after as needed.

Stephen Ministers are called to be Caregivers

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

Encourage the faint hearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them.
I Thessalonians 5:14

Cast your burden on the LORD, and He will sustain you.
Psalms 55:22