Become a Stephen Minister

Stephen Ministry trains lay people to walk alongside fellow parishioners who are going through difficult life moments like illness, grief, divorce, job loss, or loneliness. A Stephen Minister meets with one person, listens, prays, and holds what is shared in confidence. It is not therapy and it is not advice. It is presence, and it is a real skill that can be taught.

This does not replace the pastoral care you should expect from your clergy. What Stephen Ministry adds is depth. One priest cannot sit with every person in a congregation that needs someone to listen every week. A trained group of parishioners can, and there is something right about that care coming from the pew next to you rather than from the office.

The commitment is significant. Training is roughly 50 hours. Stephen Ministers typically serve two years, meeting with their care receiver about once a week and gathering once or twice a month for supervision and continuing education. That is a lot to ask, but it is worth asking. This is the care we promised in our baptismal covenant, and it is what makes a parish a parish rather than an audience.

If you have a heart for sitting with people in their difficult moments and want to consider this, let Brad know. Nothing is being decided yet. I am trying to find out whether there is enough interest to move forward.

Questions? Take a look at stephenministries.org, or email Brad.