Stephen Ministry
Sometimes you just need someone to listen.
Have you ever found yourself struggling? Struggling with grief, loss, illness or just life in general? Stephen Ministers can help! They are lay congregation members, extensively trained to provide one-to-one care to those experiencing a difficult time in life.
Stephen Ministers come from all walks of life, but they all share a passion for bringing Christ’s love and care to people during a time of need. Here at MPPC, we have an amazing group of Stephen Ministers, both men and women who are here to help.
Here are some facts about Stephen Ministers:
- Trust is essential to any caring relationship, and Stephen Ministers are people you can trust.
- Confidentiality is one of the most important principles of Stephen Ministry, and what you tell your Stephen Minister is kept in strictest confidence
- Care is always given on a same-gender basis: men meet with men; women meet with women.
- Stephen Ministers and their care receivers typically meet weekly
- Your relationship with a Stephen Minister can last 2 years or 2 weeks – it’s entirely up to you
- The name Stephen comes from St. Stephen, who was the first lay person commissioned by the apostles to provide caring ministry to those in need (as recorded in Acts 6)
- More than one-and-a-half-million people have received care from a Stephen Minister
Stephen Minister care-receivers share their experience!
"I was feeling overwhelmed. I have three children under the age of 6 and I was having difficulties coping. I didn't feel like I was doing anything well because I was so busy all the time. I felt as though I was neglecting my husband, my part-time job and my kids were often short-changed for my attention. A friend suggested I call the church about finding a Stephen Minister and I am so happy I did. We met every week for an hour. She listened and understood the pressures I was feeling. She prayed with me and I can't tell you how much it helped me.”
Mary
Stephen Ministry Care Receiver
"I met by Stephen Minister John soon after I became separated from my wife. It was a tough time for me and I needed someone other than family or friends to talk to. We first met for coffee on a Saturday morning and got together regularly for abut a year. He listened while I talked through my frustrations. We often prayed together . I felt like God's hand was being extended to me through my Stephen Minister. My marriage did eventually end, but my Stephen Minister was with me every step of the way. In fact, we still meet for coffee sometimes on Saturday mornings."
Stan
Stephen Ministry Care Receiver