What is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry is a unique, one-to-one, Christ-centered care ministry. Trained lay ministers in our congregation are available to meet, pray with, and walk alongside those who are experiencing struggles, pain, or overwhelming circumstances within a supportive, caring relationship. Stephen Ministers meet regularly with an individual to provide gender-specific, confidential, and personalized care.
Meetings with your Stephen Minister are conducted on-site at The Church of the Apostles (except in special circumstances). Meetings are weekly at a time mutually agreeable to the care receiver and the Stephen Minister.
Meet Our Team
Bill Worth | Stephen Leader / Men’s Referral Coordinator
What Drew You to Stephen Ministry?
“Stan Ashley/COTA Men’s Fraternity recommended me to John Wise for Stephen Ministry in 2018. I took Stan’s recommendation as guidance from God, and have moved forward into Stephen Ministry ever since. Stephen Ministry has been the main way I say “thank you” to Apostles for what the church means to me. And I get to work alongside some of the godliest men and women I’ve ever known, anywhere.“
Kathy Paparelli | Stephen Leader / Women’s Referral Coordinator
What Drew You to Stephen Ministry?
“A member of Stephen Ministry noticed my neighborhood ministry to women. He encouraged me to train to become a Stephen Minister. The course taught me practical Christian caregiving skills. This amazing program enabled me to truly cherish and understand the need to be fully present in the life of a person in crisis. This is Christ’s love and I am honored to share His blessings and to provide a safe place for someone to sit and “lick their wounds” until they are strong enough to move forward.”
Linda McEntire | Stephen Leader / Training Coordinator
What Drew You to Stephen Ministry?
“It is a privilege and an honor to serve as a Stephen Minister to bring the healing love of Christ to those experiencing life’s many challenges. We serve as Stephen Ministers so that no one suffers alone. As the Training Coordinator for Stephen Ministry, I enjoy using my teaching spiritual gift to provide continuing education for Stephen Ministry.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would someone ask for a Stephen Minister?
Stephen Ministers meet with individuals seeking mature and caring Christian support who are experiencing any number of life challenges. These might include:
- Losing a job or struggling with direction
- Relocating to a new home
- Grieving the loss of family or friends
- Healing after broken relationships
- Becoming a parent or an empty nester
- Receiving a difficult diagnosis from your doctor
- Caring for ailing parents
- Struggling with depression, anxiety, or doubt
Is there an age requirement?
One must be at least 18 years of age to receive Stephen Ministry care.
What exactly does a Stephen Minister do?
A Stephen Minister meets with their Care Receiver weekly for approximately an hour to listen, encourage, pray, and provide them with distinctively Christian care. The focus of this time is on allowing the individual to share freely in a safe, confidential setting within the context of a caring relationship. Stephen Ministers are not counselors, coaches, or mentors, but rather trained laypersons who facilitate a time for processing thoughts and feelings in the light of God’s truth without pressure or an agenda.
How often will I meet with a Stephen Minister and for how long?
Stephen Ministers and their Care Receivers meet weekly for about an hour at a mutually agreed upon time. There is no specific defined duration of the relationship; it can be weeks, months, or so long as it is helpful. These relationships come to their close at a time determined by the Stephen Minister and the Care Receiver.
Is there any cost for Stephen Ministry?
There is no financial cost to receive Stephen Ministry care.
Do Stephen Ministers meet with couples? Families?
Stephen Ministers meet with individuals only. They do not meet with couples or other family members.
Do I have to be a "member" of The Church of The Apostles to receive Stephen Ministry?
Membership is not a requirement to request Stephen Ministry care. The ministry is available to non-members and
those outside the church.
How are Stephen Ministries trained? How is accountability maintained?
Stephen Ministers receive 50 hours of initial, intensive training and participate monthly in ongoing continuing education. They are overseen by Stephen Leaders under the authority of Congregational Care and maintain accountability through regular, structured meetings with other Stephen Ministers. Care Receivers’ identities and personal details are not disclosed so that confidentiality is carefully protected.
There is no financial cost to receive Stephen Ministry care.
To Inquire about Stephen Ministry or how to be connected with a Stephen Minister, email us at:
stephenministry@apostles.org