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Stephen Ministry

“They chose Stephen, a man of faith and of the Holy Spirit… And the Word of God increased; and the number of disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem…” ACTS 6:5-7

“Bear one another’s burdens… and so fulfill the law of Christ.” GALATIANS 6:2

What is Stephen Ministry?

It is a special ministry in which one Christian reaches out to another in time of need. Members of Christ the King have been trained to provide Christian caregiving to members of our congregation and community. This has multiplied the amount of caring ministry Christ the King can provide by giving us a whole team of skilled caregivers who are equipped to bring Christ’s healing love to people who are grieving, in crisis, or experiencing other stresses in their lives.

Who Are the Stephen Ministers?

Stephen Ministers are not professional psychologists; experts in law, medicine, or church doctrine; or social workers with access to extensive physical services. But neither are they superficial “visitors” who merely “drop in” from time to time. In brief, Stephen Ministers are:

  • Lay men and women from our congregation who have developed their gifts for bringing concern and care of Christ’s community to people in need.
  • People who come from all walks of life, age ranges, and backgrounds.
  • Caring and sharing Christians desiring to offer their help/support to others in time of need.
  • Trained Christians – having developed their helping skills through intensive coursework.
  • Dedicated Christians – commissioned by our church to confidential, in-depth caring.

How are Stephen Ministers Trained?

Stephen Ministers receive approximately fifty hours of training, based solidly on Biblical testimony and drawing from the best tools of the health and psychological sciences before beginning their caregiving work. The training topics are really “Practical Theology.” Some of the topics are: The Art of Listening, How to Use the Bible with Others, Confidentiality, Ministry to the Dying, Depressed, Older Persons, Grieving, etc.

Throughout their service, Stephen Ministers receive continuing education in a variety of related subjects.

How does one become a Stephen Minister?

If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister or want more information about Stephen Ministry, contact Karen Krussow (706-216-2470), Lu or Jim Leeds (770-887-1496), or Sigrid Myers (678-455-0814). If you prefer, complete a card found in the Friendship pad, and place it in the collection plate.

Who needs a Stephen Minister?

Anyone experiencing a crisis in his or her life may need a Stephen Minister to walk with him or her. Stephen Ministers are especially helpful to those dealing with:

  • The loss of a loved one through death or divorce
  • The loss of employment
  • The loss of one’s home
  • A change in one’s life due to children leaving home, a move to a new home or city, or any other development that a person might see as a crisis.

In short, anyone who needs one-on-one Christian care from a person of the same gender could benefit from having a Stephen Minister.

How does one get a Stephen Minister?

If you think you would like to have a Stephen Minister or you simply want more information about Stephen Ministry, contact Karen Krussow (706-216-2470), Lu or Jim Leeds (770-887-1496), or Sigrid Myers (678-455-0814). If you prefer, complete a card found in the Friendship pad, and place it in the collection plate.