Stephen Ministry

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 Leaders are church staff and lay leaders trained to provide ongoing leadership for their congregation’s Stephen Ministry.
  • Stephen Ministers are congregation members trained by their Stephen Leaders to offer care to people who are hurting.
  • Care Receivers are individuals in the congregation or community who are going through a crisis or life difficulty.

The Blessings of Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministry multiplies blessings throughout the church and community.

  • Congregations carry out Christ’s commandment to “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12 RSV) in a powerful and practical way.
  • Pastors have a team of gifted, trained, and committed lay caregivers ready to minister to hurting people.
  • Laypeople nurture and use their gifts in meaningful ministry, growing spiritually as they serve others.
  • People who are hurting have a caring Christian presence to provide emotional and spiritual support.

Stephen Ministry Is Built to Last

Stephen Ministry was founded in 1975 and is utilized in congregations from more than 190 Christian denominations, across the U.S. and Canada and in 30 other countries.

What Is a Stephen Minister?

Stephen Ministers are lay congregation members trained to provide one-to-one care to those experiencing a difficult time in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, or relocation.

What Stephen Ministers Do?

After being matched with a person experiencing a life crisis, the Stephen Minister meets with that person on a weekly basis to listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support. The caring relationship lasts as long as the need for care exists.

 

A Life-Changing Experience for the Care Receiver

Stephen Ministers have cared for over one-and-a-half million people in one-to-one caring relationships—and they have touched countless more lives with compassionate understanding and encouragement.

Training to Become a Stephen Minister

Stephen Minister training is a Christ-centered experience that equips participants with essential caring and relating skills. Trainees learn how to listen to, care for, and walk with those going through difficult times in life. Stephen Minister Training is offered every other year at Grace UMC with our next training being in 2027. 

How Is God Calling You?

If you sense that God might be calling you to serve as a Stephen Minister, the first step is to find out more about getting involved. Contact one of GUMC Stephen Leaders. Information is located in Grace Church’s lobby.