Stephen Ministry

What exactly is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry is a ministry in our congregation in which trained and supervised lay persons, called Stephen Ministers, provide one-to-one Christian care to individuals facing life challenges or difficulties.

Who are Stephen Ministers?
They are the caregivers. They will have been through 50 hours of training in Christian caregiving, including general topics such as listening, feelings, boundaries, assertiveness and using Christian resources. Their training will include topics such as ministering to the divorced, hospitalized, bereaved, aging, etc.

What do Stephen Ministers do?
Stephen Ministers are caring Christian friends who listen, understand, accept and pray for and with care receivers who are working through a crisis or a tough time.

Are Stephen Ministers counselors?
No. They are trained lay caregivers. Their role is to listen and care–not to give advice or counsel. Stephen Ministers are also trained to recognize when a care receiver’s need exceeds what the Stephen Minister can provide. When that happens, they work with the care receiver to get appropriate help.

Why the name Stephen?
The name Stephen comes from Acts 6. Stephen was the first lay person commissioned by the apostles to provide caring ministry to those in need.

What’s the pastoral team’s role?
Pastors will always be the primary caregivers, but there is no way pastors can meet all the needs for care. God has called all of us, not just pastors, to minister to one another. Stephen Ministry multiplies ministry by turning pastors into equippers, so they can enable lay people to provide caring ministry as well.

How much does it cost?
Once we train the Stephen Ministers and launch this ministry, it will be available to members of our church and community free of charge.

Who do I contact?
If you or someone you know could benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister, you may contact one of our Stephen Leaders in complete confidence. FBC’s Stephen Leaders are Gene Wiseman (573-680-9786), Kristie McGonegal (573-690-5209), and Jeanie McGowan.

Like to know more about Stephen Ministry? Click here for Stephen Ministries – St. Louis.