STEPHEN MINISTRY

Pastors will always be on the front lines of care. But there are always many more needs for ongoing, one-to-one care than pastors can effectively meet by themselves. Our congregation is known for caring for each other. This sort of caring is an important element of our mission.


While this sort of organic caring is around us every day, we also have instituted a Stephen Ministry program to formally equip lay people (called Stephen Ministers) to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian 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 congregation member with gifts for care-giving who was carefully selected to serve in the 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’s a need


Stephen Ministers Care...

We all experience challenges in life – times when we could benefit from the support of a caring Christian friend. Stephen Ministers are ready to provide the emotional and spiritual care we need when faced with a crisis or difficulty such as:

  • Loss of a loved one
  • Hospitalization
  • Divorce or separation
  • Loneliness or discouragement
  • Spiritual crisis
  • Unemployment or a job crisis
  • A terminal illness
  • Incarceration
  • Aging
  • Birth, adoption, miscarriage, or infertility
  • Chronic Illness
  • Relocation
  • Recover after an accident or disaster
  • And many more

Here’s what you can do ...

  • Pray for God to bring hope and healing to hurting people. 
  • Accept care from a Stephen Minister during your time of need. God doesn't expect you to bear your burdens alone. 
  • Tell a friend, neighbor, coworker, or relative who is hurting about our Stephen Ministry. 
  • If you are a good listener and a compassionate person, prayerfully consider becoming a Stephen Minister.


Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry. The identity of those receiving care and what takes place in each caring relationship remain private.


**For more information, fill out the form below, call us at 616-761-3584, or e-mail us at: office@shilohcc.org