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Stephen Ministry began in 1975 when the Rev. Kenneth C. Haugk, Ph.D., a pastor and clinical psychologist, trained nine laypeople at his congregation in St. Louis to be Stephen Ministers. They assisted him in providing distinctively Christian care to members of the congregation and community.
The name Stephen comes from St. Stephen, who was the first layperson commissioned by the Apostles to provide caring ministry to those in need (Acts 6).
Stephen Ministers are not counselors. They are trained Christian caregivers. Their role is to listen and care—not counsel or advise. Please do not refer to them as counselors.
Stephen Ministry is a supervised ministry. Stephen Ministers engage in twice-monthly supervision to ensure that they are providing the best-quality Christian care.
Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry. What a care receiver tells a Stephen Minister remains confidential. Even in supervision, the names of care receivers and specific details are never discussed.
Stephen Ministers do not make cold calls. They are assigned only to people who agree to receive the care of a Stephen Minister.
When a major event such as job loss occurs, sometimes the difference between success and failure is your support network. Spouses and friends can get burned out and cannot always continue to support you in ways that you need. A trained, confidential, listening ear can make all the difference. A Stephen Ministeris available to you at no charge and for as long as you wish. Contact Peggy Stone or Kathy Miller for more information and to set up an appointment. | |
