Stephen Ministry
Are you going through a hard time? Do you need a listening friend? Consider asking for a Stephen Minister.
What is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry is one-to-one ministry by compassionate City Church attendees who have gone through specific Stephen Ministry training. Stephen Ministry provides care, support, listening, sharing, and prayer confidentially for someone going through crisis, loneliness, or pain. A Stephen Minister typically meets with their care receiver for about an hour each week. A woman is always matched with a female Stephen Minister; a man is always matched with a male Stephen Minister.
What is a Stephen Minister?
A Stephen Minister is...
- a Christ-follower who walks beside a hurting person
- a caring Christian who really listens and supports
- a church attendee who has received 50 hours of training in how to provide compassionate care
- confidential
- someone who has responded to Christ's call to "carry each others burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
A Stephen Minister is not...
- a counselor, therapist, or mental health professional
- a person who will solve all your problems
Stephen Ministers meet twice a month for ongoing training, support and supervision. If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, please email.
When should I ask for a Stephen Minister?
- loss of a loved one
- retirement
- loneliness
- unemployment
- despair
- childbirth
- hospitalization
- grief
- separation, divorce, break-up
- terminal or chronic illness or disability
- being shut in
- faith issues
- going through a difficult time and needing someone to care, listen and share God’s love with you.
How can I receive care from a Stephen Minister?
Please contact Pastor Greg at (608) 221-1528 or email the Stephen Ministry Coordinator, Sarah Binger, at stephenministry@mail.citychurchonline.org for information.