“Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, NRSV)
Click here to view Stephen Ministry News & Notes
What Is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry offers a proven and effective way to organize, equip, and supervise a team of congregation members—called Stephen Ministers—to provide high-quality, one-to-one, Christ-centered care to people in the congregation and the community experiencing life difficulties.
Who’s Involved in Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Leaders are church staff, lay leaders, and pastors trained to provide ongoing leadership for their congregation’s Stephen Ministry. They are equipped for this key role through the Bridge Leader’s Training Course offered by Stephen Ministries St. Louis.
Stephen Ministers are congregation members trained by their Stephen Leaders to offer care to people who are hurting. A Stephen Minister typically has one care receiver at a time and meets with that person once a week for about an hour.
Care receivers are individuals in the congregation or community who are going through a crisis or life difficulty. Potential care receivers first meet with a pastor or Stephen Leader, who assesses their needs for care and matches them with a Stephen Minister. The caring relationship lasts for as long as the need persists.
Stephen Ministry Stories
Click the link to read the full stories:
“I Began to Feel God’s Love Again”—A young woman describes how her caring relationship with her Stephen Minister allowed her to experience Jesus in a personal, tangible, life-transforming way.
“I’m So Grateful for Stephen Ministry!”—A man shares how he and his Stephen Minister built a high-trust relationship, apart from his regular circle of friends, so that he could move forward through a tough time in his life.
“Stephen Ministry: Helping Dad Hang on during a Personal Earthquake”—A story about a father who received care from a Stephen Minister while grieving the death of his infant son.
“On the Front Lines of Care”—The story of an Army captain who lost his foot in an explosion in Iraq, trained as a Stephen Minister, and later returned to Iraq better equipped to care for the soldiers under his command.
“Stephen Ministers Helping People Get Back on Track”—Stephen Ministers are frequently involved in ministering to entire communities following a disaster. This newspaper article describes how Stephen Ministers cared for people throughout Joplin, Missouri, after a tornado devastated the city.
An International Ministry
Stephen Ministries is a not-for-profit Christian education organization founded in 1975 that produces training and resources known for their excellence, practicality, psychological integrity, and theological depth. These resources cover topics such as caring ministry, assertive relating, spiritual gifts discovery, grief support, spiritual growth, and more.
Congregations and other organizations use these resources to strengthen and expand ministry. Individuals use them to improve their ability to relate to and care for others, grow in faith, and journey through life crises. Our 40-person staff is based in St. Louis, Missouri.
Is Stephen Ministry for Me?
If you are going through a difficult period and would like someone to walk through the challenge with you, please complete a Stephen Ministry Interest form, and we will respond as soon as possible.
If you know someone who might benefit from a Stephen Ministry or might be interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, we would also like to hear from you.
Want to Learn More?
Call the Church Office at: (941) 778-0414
Or Email Direct: StephenMinistry@RoserChurch.com
Stephen Ministry News & Notes
- GriefShare
JANUARY 10 through APRIL 3, 2024 on Wednesdays from 1:00 -to 2:30 PM in Double Classroom – It hurts to lose someone. Find help at GriefShare. GriefShare is a friendly, group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone. … - Stephen MinistersStephen Ministry offers a proven and effective way to organize, equip, and supervise a team of congregation members— called Stephen Ministers—to provide high-quality, one-to-one, Christ-centered care to people in the congregation and the community experiencing life difficulties. Stephen Ministers are trained by their Stephen Leaders to offer care to people who are hurting. Typically a …
