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Stephen Ministry

 

For nearly 40 years ALC has had an on-going Stephen Ministry program.

Yearly training is available for church members who want to serve God in this capacity. Learn how to minster effectively and use your gift of compassion to help others. Contact the Stephen Ministry Leadership Team through the Church office.

  • One-on-one support for grief, isolation, illness, broken relationships and other faith challenges
  • Trained, caring parishioners
  • Christ-centered focus and spiritual encouragement
  • Confidential friendships

Is God calling you to become a Stephen Minister?

In Stephen Ministry, members of our congregation are trained and equipped to meet once a week, one on one, with someone going through a difficult time. Stephen Ministers provide a caring presence, a listening ear, and comforting words—supporting care receivers throughout their journey. There are many reasons people become Stephen Ministers. Here are a few to think about as you prayerfully consider whether Stephen Ministry is the right place for you to serve.

As a Stephen Minister, you will…

1. Make a real difference in the lives of people who are hurting.

Stephen Ministers walk alongside people going through life challenges like death, divorce, a medical crisis, job loss, and more. They offer care, support, and encouragement, connecting hurting people with Christ’s healing love during some of the hardest times in their lives.

2. Help our congregation ensure that no one suffers alone.

Caring for one another is a hallmark of the Christian faith. As a Stephen Minister, you will play a crucial role in helping our congregation carry out that mission so that, even if we can’t take away their pain, those who are suffering know our church truly cares.

3. Learn what to say and do — and what not to say and do — to care effectively for people who are suffering.

Stephen Minister training teaches highly practical caregiving and relational skills that equip and empower you with everything you need to effectively care for others. In addition to preparing you for caring ministry, these skills can help you deepen and enhance relationships in all facets of your life—with family, friends, coworkers, and others.

4. Be involved in meaningful ministry that uses your spiritual gifts.

Serving as a Stephen Minister gives people an opportunity to put their spiritual gifts into action—such as faith, mercy, compassion, and encouragement. This ministry is personally fulfilling and touches people’s lives in powerful ways.

5. Deepen your faith as you see God at work through your ministry.

Providing care while trusting in God is at the core of Stephen Ministry. Stephen Ministers regularly say that their faith deepens as they experience training, learn to use distinctively Christian caring tools, and witness God at work in the lives of their care receivers.

6. Be part of a group of caring Christians who support each other as they care for those who are hurting.

One of the blessings of being a Stephen Minister is being part of a community of people who care, all of whom lift one another up as they strive together to provide the best possible ministry. The strong relationships you’ll form are both rewarding and a great source of support.

7. Join a worldwide tradition of caring ministry.

Congregations all over the world use Stephen Ministry—and have trained hundreds of thousands of Stephen Ministers who have gone on to care for millions of hurting people. It’s this ongoing tradition of “Christ caring for people through people” that you’ll join as a Stephen Minister.