STEPHEN MINISTRY
Questions & Answers
Frequently Asked Questions about Stephen Ministry
Why the name Stephen?
In Acts 6, Stephen was chosen to provide caring ministry to those in need. Since the time of the Apostles, caring ministry has been considered a hallmark of the Christian Faith Community.
What are Stephen Ministers?
Stephen Ministers are laypeople trained to provide one-to-one, Christ-centered care. They have a compassionate heart for those who are hurting, and they are equipped with caring ministry skills by their congregation’s Stephen Leaders. A Stephen Minister typically has one care receiver at a time and meets with that person approximately once a week to listen, care, pray, encourage and offer emotional and spiritual support.
What are Stephen Leaders?
Stephen Leaders are the pastors, other church staff members, and lay leaders who are equipped to direct Stephen Ministry in their congregation. Stephen Leaders have gifts and skills in areas such as leadership, teaching, and organizing people, along with a heart for caring ministry.
In what types of situations do Stephen Ministers provide care?
Stephen Ministers provide care to individuals facing difficult times in life—grief, cancer, divorce, financial difficulties, hospitalization, chronic illness, job loss, disability, loneliness, a spiritual crisis, or other life struggles.
How does Stephen Ministry benefit pastors?
Stephen Ministry supports pastors by deepening, expanding and extending the caregiving capacity of their congregations. A team of Stephen Ministers, together with a pastor, can provide ongoing care for more people than the pastor could provide alone. This also frees pastors to invest more time in other important ministry areas.
If you are interested and want to learn more about the Stephen Ministry Program at Eden United Methodist Church please see Pastor Kate Nicol, Kevin Karstedt or Diana Graovac.
Frequently Asked Questions about Stephen Ministry
Why the name Stephen?
In Acts 6, Stephen was chosen to provide caring ministry to those in need. Since the time of the Apostles, caring ministry has been considered a hallmark of the Christian Faith Community.
What are Stephen Ministers?
Stephen Ministers are laypeople trained to provide one-to-one, Christ-centered care. They have a compassionate heart for those who are hurting, and they are equipped with caring ministry skills by their congregation’s Stephen Leaders. A Stephen Minister typically has one care receiver at a time and meets with that person approximately once a week to listen, care, pray, encourage and offer emotional and spiritual support.
What are Stephen Leaders?
Stephen Leaders are the pastors, other church staff members, and lay leaders who are equipped to direct Stephen Ministry in their congregation. Stephen Leaders have gifts and skills in areas such as leadership, teaching, and organizing people, along with a heart for caring ministry.
In what types of situations do Stephen Ministers provide care?
Stephen Ministers provide care to individuals facing difficult times in life—grief, cancer, divorce, financial difficulties, hospitalization, chronic illness, job loss, disability, loneliness, a spiritual crisis, or other life struggles.
How does Stephen Ministry benefit pastors?
Stephen Ministry supports pastors by deepening, expanding and extending the caregiving capacity of their congregations. A team of Stephen Ministers, together with a pastor, can provide ongoing care for more people than the pastor could provide alone. This also frees pastors to invest more time in other important ministry areas.
If you are interested and want to learn more about the Stephen Ministry Program at Eden United Methodist Church please see Pastor Kate Nicol, Kevin Karstedt or Diana Graovac.
For more information on Stephen Ministries or to reach out to a Stephen Minister, please contact Diana Graovack at 716-491-4277 or Kevin Karstedt at 716-992-2248.
