Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministry: Help, Hope, Healing

Are you going through a difficult time?  A Stephen Minister can help.  Stephen Ministers are members of our congregation who listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support to people going through a difficult time.

What is Stephen Ministry?

Stephen Ministry is a program that trains and equips lay persons to provide confidential Christian one-on-one care to anyone in our community who is encountering difficulty in their life.

How does Stephen Ministry work?

A trained Stephen Minister is matched with a person experiencing a life crisis.  The Stephen Minister meets with the Care Receiver to listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support.  The Stephen Minister provides care to one person at a time, meeting with that person once a week for about an hour.  Twice a month, Stephen Ministers gather with their Stephen Leaders for supervision and continuing education.

What are some examples of problems that Stephen Ministers deal with?

Common reasons for a Stephen Ministry pairing include hospitalization, the birth of a new child, disability or terminal illness, illness or death of a loved one, divorce or separation, severe financial setback, difficulties associated with aging, family or domestic problems, isolation or loneliness.

Am I assured of confidentiality?

Confidentiality is the basis of all Stephen Ministry relationships.  Anyone receiving care can be assured that identity – and what is shared in a caring relationship – will remain private.

How do I get a Stephen Minister?

Contact any of our ministers, Stephen Leader Mary Winklejohn, mbwinkeljohn@gmail.com  or call the church office (770-497-0233):

katie@pleasanthillpc.org

jennie@pleasanthillpc.org

If you have an immediate pastoral care need, call 678-916-7147 any time day or night, and a pastor will return your call as soon as possible.

To read more about the Stephen Ministry international program, go to www.stephenministries.org