Stephen Ministry
Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. —Galatians 6:2
Stephen Ministry is a one-to-one lay caring ministry. Stephen Ministry congregations equip and empower lay caregivers—called Stephen Ministers—to provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to people who are hurting.
How Stephen Ministry Works
Stephen Leaders establish and direct Stephen Ministry in a congregation.
Stephen Ministers are congregation members trained by Stephen Leaders to offer high-quality, one-to-one Christian care to people going through tough times. A Stephen Minister usually 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.
Care receivers are people—congregation members and others in the community—who receive care from a Stephen Minister. These are people struggling through a difficult time in life—experiencing grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, or some other life crisis. Some important guidelines for this caring relationship protect both the care receiver and the Stephen Minister: The relationship between a care receiver and a Stephen Minister is confidential. When a care receiver’s needs exceed what a Stephen Minister can provide, the Stephen Ministry team makes a referral to an appropriate mental health professional or other community resource.
The Blessings of Stephen Ministry
Congregations receive a practical and powerful way to respond to Christ’s commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12 RSV).
Pastors have a team of gifted, trained, and committed lay caregivers ready to minister to hurting people.
Laypeople nurture and use their gifts in meaningful ministry, growing spiritually as they serve others.
People who are hurting have a compassionate companion—a caring Christian friend who provides emotional and spiritual support.
Interested in becoming a Stephen Minister?
Kent United Church of Christ
1400 E. Main Street
Kent, Ohio 44240
(330) 673-9534
office@kentucc.org
OFFICE HOURS
Regular Office Hours
Mon–Fri 9:00 am–4:00 pm
Summer Office Hours
Mon–Fri 9:00 am–2:00 pm
