Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministry is...
A program of Milford Hills that equips lay persons to provide distinctively Christian one-to-one care to those experiencing all kinds of life needs and circumstances, both in our congregation and community.
Stephen Ministers are committed Christian people who…
§ express God’s care through their lives to others
§ receive 50 hours of initial training in important caring ministry skills and concepts
§ are commissioned as Stephen Ministers after completing the initial training
§ visit another person regularly and dependably and offer confidential Christian support and care
§ participate in regular support and supervision under the guidance of trained Stephen Leaders
§ are committed to preserving the confidential nature of the caring relationship
§ serve for at least two years
§ receive continuing education and skill building throughout their years of service
What a Stephen Ministry congregation does…
§ prays for the ministry
§ asks for help in times of difficulty
§ looks for people who might need help
§ talks to hurting people about receiving a Stephen Minister
§ gets permission to tell a Stephen Leader that this person wants help
Who receives a Stephen Minister?
Everyone goes through periods of difficulty or crisis at times. Having someone who cares enough to listen can ease these experiences of confusion, stress, or loneliness.
No problem is too small or insignificant to receive care. If the need is significant enough to affect a person’s ability to live a full and abundant life in Jesus Christ, it is important for the church to care in effective, intentional and appropriate ways.
Those Who Are –
§ Hospitalized
§ Inactive in your congregation
§ Bereaved
§ Elderly
§ Lonely or depressed
§ Terminally ill and their families
§ Homebound or institutionalized
§ Disabled and their families and caregivers
§ In job crisis
§ Affected by loss of employment
§ Experiencing spiritual crisis
§ Families affected by drug or alcohol dependency
§ Separated or divorced
§ Experiencing an unplanned pregnancy
§ Affected by accident or natural disaster
§ New members in the congregation or community
§ Imprisoned and their families
§ Parents with children leaving home
§ Experiencing the birth or adoption of a child
§ Single parents
§ Experiencing the stress of moving
….and many more.
Important Dates for Stephen Ministry Events
July – Stephen Ministers begin preparation for 50 hours of training by reading initial training material.
August – The first class of Stephen Ministers for Milford Hills begins 50 hours of training.
November – Stephen Leaders begin receiving referrals for those needing and desiring the care of a Stephen Minister.
December – Commissioning of the first class of Stephen Ministers at Milford Hills.
January – Stephen Ministers begin meeting with care receivers.
Stephen Ministry in the news...
Stephen Ministry
Featured on PBS
The PBS "Religion and Ethics" news show recently aired an eight-minute feature on Stephen Ministry that vividly describes the life-changing ministry happening in thousands of congregations.
View the Stephen Ministry feature on the PBS Web site, where you'll also find several bonus features--including a nine-minute interview with Stephen Ministries' founder and executive director, Kenneth C. Haugk.
