Stephen Ministry
You don’t have to go through a difficult season alone.
There are times in life when we need someone simply to walk alongside us—to listen, to care, to pray, and to remind us that we are not alone.
Stephen Ministry provides free, confidential, one-to-one Christian care for people in our congregation and the surrounding community who are going through a difficult time.
Stephen Ministers are trained members of our congregation who meet regularly with someone who is hurting. They listen without judgment, offer emotional and spiritual support, and provide a steady, caring presence through seasons of grief, change, uncertainty, or loss.
You don't have to be a member of St. Michael's—or even know exactly what you need—to reach out.
FAQs
Would a Stephen Ministry make sense for me?
You might benefit from a Stephen Minister if you are experiencing:
The death of someone you love
Divorce or a difficult relationship transition
Loneliness or isolation
Job loss or significant changes at work
Illness, declining health, disability, or a serious diagnosis
Caregiving for someone you love
A major life transition
Stress, discouragement, or feeling overwhelmed
A season when you simply need someone to listen
You don't need to be in a crisis to receive care. Sometimes it is enough to know that life feels heavy and that having someone walk alongside you would help.
Stephen Ministers receive extensive training in Christian caregiving and supportive listening. They meet one-to-one with their care receiver on a regular basis, providing a safe place to talk honestly about what is happening in their life.
A Stephen Minister will listen, pray with and for you, and accompany you through your particular season. They are not therapists and do not replace clergy or professional mental-health care. Instead, they extend the caring ministry of the church by offering consistent, compassionate Christian presence.
What does a Stephen Minister do?
Yes. Confidentiality is one of the foundations of Stephen Ministry. What you share with your Stephen Minister remains private, except in circumstances involving the risk of serious harm to yourself or another person.
Is Stephen Ministry confidential?
What if I'm already overwhelmed?
You and your Stephen Minister will arrange a regular meeting time that works for both of you. Receiving care isn't meant to become one more obligation. For many people, having a dedicated person and place to talk can actually make a difficult season feel a little less overwhelming.
Interested in receiving care?
If you think a Stephen Minister might be helpful — or if you’re simply wondering whether Stephen Ministry is right for you — we’d be glad to talk with you.
To learn more or request a Stephen Minister, contact Julie de Wette and copy the Rev. John Newton.
Julie de Wette julie@losmadrones.com
The Rev. John Newton JNewton@st-michaels.org
There is no obligation in reaching out. A conversation is simply a place to begin.