Become a Stephen Minister
If you think you might be interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, learn more below and prayerfully consider your fit.
Characteristics of a Stephen Minister
- A caring believer in Jesus Christ
- A good listener
- Willing to learn, grow and serve
- Willing and able to maintain confidentiality
Commitment Required to be a Stephen Minister
- Initial 50 hours of training, ministry and supervision. This training will equip you with what you need: training, support, encouragement, care, & prayer
- Two evening meetings per month during the ‘school year’ to hear Continuing Education speakers and participate in care giver support & supervision
- Meeting with your care receiver approximately one hour per week during your assignment to walk alongside him/her through their crisis
- A minimum two year commitment of service to PLCC Stephen Ministry
- Faithful attendance at PLCC
Spiritual Gift Profile
- Faith: unshakable trust that God faithfully keeps HIS promises
- Mercy: exceptional ability to perform acts of kindness and compassion
- Encouragement: ability to inspire, comfort, motivate, strengthen, & affirm others
- Wisdom: having a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ & sharing the insights gained from it with others.
- Service
Top 10 Reasons to Become a Stephen Minister
#10: Turn danger into opportunity
The care of a dedicated, trained, Christ-centered Stephen Minister can help a person in crisis find equilibrium and wholeness.
#9: Become a skilled caregiver
- Receive 50 hours of training before being commissioned and assigned to care receivers.
- Learn skills, including listening, identifying/expressing feelings, setting boundaries, being assertive.
- Learn about specific challenges such as hospitalization divorce, grief, and depression.
- Meet approximately one hour per week with their care-receivers.
#8: Fellowship & grow with fellow Stephen Ministers
- Meet twice per month in small groups with other Stephen Ministers.
- Pray for one another.
- Offering encouragement and practical help; relating to one another in a deep and spiritual way.
#7: Truly understand the care receiver
Stephen Ministers seek to truly understand the care receiver by actively listening.
#6: Speak the truth in love
Stephen Ministers are assertive caregivers: trained to “speak the truth in love.”
#5: Be a caregiver, not a curegiver
Only God can bring about healing, forgiveness, and hope. Stephen Ministers are trained to listen and pray, to be reliable and non-judgmental, and to help care receivers express their feelings.
#4: Feel needed (because you are!)
Stephen Ministry was created by a minister named Kenneth Haugk who realized that there are not enough pastors available to provide patient, long-term care to people in crisis.
#3: Use in your own life
Stephen Ministry skills apply in other relationships.
#2: Change others' lives
Stephen Ministers are often the first to respond when neighbors, family members, and coworkers need someone to talk to.
#1: Obey Jesus' command
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” Stephen Ministers care for those who are hurting, bringing warmth and kindness to those who feel alone, creating an atmosphere where trust and respect can lead to wholeness. Stephen Ministers answer the call of Jesus
Stephen Ministry Application
Download the Application
Who to Contact
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