——Stephen Ministry——

What is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry is a free, confidential, and non-denominational program that provides one-to-one Christian care to hurting people within our congregation and surrounding community. The Stephen Minister is a lay person who has received extensive training to listen supportively to your story and accept you exactly as you are and where you are in your life. Stephen Ministers provide emotional and spiritual support during difficult times; they are men and women who listen patiently, without judging or offering unwanted advice. Stephen Ministers do not take over the duties of clergy, but assist and extend their reach. In many cases, referrals for a Stephen Minister come from the clergy. Stephen Ministers are not therapists.

Would a Stephen Minister make sense for me?
Would you like a caring person to be with you steadfastly, in and through a hard time in your life? Would this kind of confidential relationship bring you a measure of relief knowing that someone understands and cares about your experience and is praying for you? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, then a Stephen Minister may make sense for you.

  • Do I feel like I have lost control of my life and my problems?

  • Do I often feel overwhelmed?

  • Are my job, family worries or the pandemic restrictions getting me down?

  • Am I feeling lonely? Do I often wish I had someone to share my thoughts with?

  • Have I recently suffered a loss?

  • Do I ever feel like I just want someone to listen?

People who have a Stephen Minister may be facing or experiencing

  • Loss of a loved one

  • Divorce

  • Loneliness or isolation

  • Job loss

  • Illness, declining health, disability, terminal diagnosis

  • Life transitions

  • Other stressful situations

Is what I tell a Stephen Minister kept in confidence? 
Yes. Absolutely. The only exception is when there is a risk of suicide or harm to another person.

I’m too busy and overwhelmed.
Your Stephen Minister and you will schedule a time to meet regularly that works for both of your schedules. What’s more, talking with a Stephen Minister can actually relieve some of the pressure we’ve all experienced during challenging times of our lives.

 If you would like a Stephen Minister or want to learn more, contact:
Jeff Robinson jarobinson100@gmail.com
Julie de Wette julie@losmadrones.com
Sandra Borinstein sborinst@gmail.com
Barbara Johnson barbarajohnson1468@gmail.com
Karen Moody kmcmoody@gmail.com or
The Rev. John Newton JNewton@st-michaels.org

Learn more about other care receivers’ experiences here: Care Receivers Tell Their Stories