Stephen Ministry

You may not have been touched directly by this ministry, but to know that it is available, to understand what this ministry provides and to claim this identity as a congregation will equip us as a church to elevate and embrace our purpose as a Stephen Ministry Church.

Stephen Ministry is…

One-to-one lay caring ministry that takes place in congregations that use the Stephen Series system.

The program equips and empowers lay care givers, called Stephen Ministers, to provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to people who are hurting.

A Christian program sponsored by many denominations in the USA and around the world.

A means of assisting the clergy and staff in the ongoing needs of their congregations.

An effective way of nourishing the spiritual lives of church members as they seek to serve each other.

A program of specific training and supervision through which God’s love is conveyed in a variety of situations.

Did you know that White Memorial has been a Stephen Ministry church for over 30 years?

So that our members know more about this care-giving ministry and for those who need support in a time of crisis, we are expanding our identity and vision as a Stephen Ministry Church.

There are three groups of people involved in this ministry:

Stephen Leaders establish and direct Stephen Ministry in a congregation by building awareness, recruiting and training Stephen Ministers, matching care receivers with Stephen Ministers and providing Stephen Ministers with ongoing supervision and continuing education. People learn to be Stephen Leaders by attending a one-week training course.

Stephen Ministers are congregation members trained by Stephen Leaders to offer high-quality one-to-one care to people going through tough times.

Stephen Ministers are…

• Caring Christians who offer support to others in need.
• Sharing Christians who bring their own personal witness to each helping relationship.
• Trained Christians who have developed their helping skills through intensive course work.
• Dedicated Christians who are commissioned by our church to provide confidential, in-depth caring.

Care Receivers are people who receive one-on-one care from a Stephen Minister. These are people struggling through a difficult time in life. The relationship between a Stephen Minister and care receiver is confidential. Men are matched with men, and women with women.

How do I receive a Stephen Minister?

If you are struggling with something big or small, you can meet confidentially with a Stephen Minister. Contact Parish Associate Judy Yates Siker or Stephen Ministry Coordinator Laura Raynor to receive more information, ask questions, or start a caring relationship.

How do I become a Stephen Minister?

Stephen Ministers are trained and supervised in their care-giving. Prior to enrolling in the 50-hour training program, a potential Stephen Minister must complete an application and an interview with the Stephen Ministry leadership team. Caring individuals from within WMPC and the surrounding community lead our training. Upon completion, new Stephen Ministers are commissioned to serve, and they begin their two-year commitment to one-on-one caregiving. Contact Parish Associate Judy Yates Siker or Stephen Ministry Coordinator Laura Raynor to receive more information, ask questions, or apply.

Application
Job Description and Frequently Asked Questions