St. Lorenz > Church > Ministries

What is Stephen Ministry?
	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.
	Our congregation's Stephen Ministry equips lay people to provide confidential, one-on-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 and cares for a person who is hurting.
	A congregation member with gifts for caregiving, who was carefully selected to serve in this 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 is need.

A Stephen Minister Cares for People Facing Tough Times:

   Spiritual Crisis               Loss of a Loved One               Incarceration

A Terminal Illness           Hospitalization           Aging

A Chronic Illness           Loneliness           Relocation

Unemployment or a Job Crisis



Birth, Adoption, Infertility or Miscarriage



Recovery After an Accident Or Disaster

Discouragement         Divorce Or Separation


.......And much more

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

Carry each others burdens, and in
this way you will fulfill the law of
Christ.

Galatians 6:2

Come to me, all you who are weary
and burdened, and I will give you

rest.

Mathew 11:28



Encourage one another and build
each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

"Be still and know I am God."

Psalms 46:10a

My Command is this; Love each
other as I have loved you.

John 15:12

Cast your cares on the Lord and he

will sustain you.

Psalm 55:22a

God is our refuge and strength, an
ever present help in trouble.

Psalm 46:1

Blessed are those who mourn, for

they will be comforted.

Mathew 5:4

Care Receiver Testimonials
	The best thing about Stephen Ministry was it was so confidential. Nobody even knew I had a Stephen Minister.	I was ready to give up. But my Stephen Minister wouldn't let me. He kept encouraging me and gave me the motivation to keep going.
	Before I had a Stephen Minister, I struggled with whether I even believed in God. Now I have seen God's love face-to-face through my Stephen Minister. It is life-changing!	I felt guilty about being angry at God. But my Stephen Minister didn't think I was terrible. He was very patient and just listened and cared. He demonstrated Jesus' unconditional love and helped me to trust God again.
	I was hurting so much I couldn't see straight. But I discovered the healing love of Jesus through my Stephen Minister. I can't say enough aboutStephen Ministry.	As a man, it was difficult and awkward reaching out for help. But I'm glad I did. I probably could have made it alone, but it sure was a lot easier having a Stephen Minister to talk to.
	Stephen Ministry really made a difference to me. I'd encourage anyone going through a tough time to consider a Stephen Minister.	I thank God every day for my Stephen Minister. I don't know how I could have made it through the past yearwithout her!