Stephen Ministry

How did Jesus do ministry? He had a ministry of ‘presence.’ He had the ministry of ‘silence.’ Go and listen.  He cared about the individual.

                                                   Ministry According To Jesus - Jill Briscoe

Our pastors at First Presbyterian will always be on the front lines of care, especially during times of crisis.  But there are always many more needs for on-going, one-to-one care than they can effectively meet by themselves.

Stephen Ministry provides a biblical solution-equipping God’s people for ministry.  Gifted lay people will be trained to support and extend the care that our pastors continue to provide.

Stephen Ministers will reach out with God’s love to people who are hurting-both congregational members and non members alike.

Our congregation’s Stephen Ministry will equip lay individuals to provide confidential one-to-one congregational care to individuals in our congregation and community who are experiencing difficulties in their lives.

A STEPHEN MINISTER IS....

A child of God who walks beside a person who is hurting.

A congregational member with gifts for Care giving who was carefully selected to serve in this role.

A lay person who has received 50 hours of training in providing emotional and spiritual care.

A caring Christian friend who listens, cares, prays, supports, and encourages.

Someone who will “be there” for his or her care receiver, meeting faithfully for about an hour each week, for as long as there is a need.