A Stephen Minister is a trained, caring lay person who gives one - to - one Christian care to persons facing stressful life changes. This caring Christian friend offers a listening ear to hear problems and concerns, and brings spiritual and emotional support and encouragement to help work through these problems. Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry.

While Stephen Ministers are not professional counselors, they are prepared for their caring ministry through 50 hours of training and are commissioned by the pastor. Their commitment to service is for two years with an opportunity to review and renew their commitment when the two years are completed.

Over 60 different persons have received the one - to - one care from a Stephen Minister since the first commissioning in 1996. This is an important outreach ministry of our congregation and its future service is strengthened and multiplied by the training of new Stephen Ministers.

If you need a Stephen Minister, or feel you have the gifts needed to be a Stephen Minister, please call our church office where you will be put in touch with a Stephen Leader.