Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry in which one person reaches out to another in a time of crisis. It is a ministry grounded in Jesus' command to love one another—“Love one another—as I have loved you.” John 13:34. It is a one-to-one ministry by trained, caring, lay ministers who have responded to Christ's call to "carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Stephen Ministry provides someone who cares… supports… listens… shares… prays.

Our pastors will always be on the front lines of care, especially during crisis. But there are always many more needs for ongoing, one-to-one care than pastors can meet by themselves.

Stephen Ministry provides a biblical solution – equipping God’s people for ministry. Gifted lay people are trained to support and extend the care that pastors provide, reaching out with God’s love to people who are hurting – both congregation members and nonmembers alike. Stephen Ministers provide confidential care for people in challenging times, whether it’s the loss of a loved one, hospitalization, divorce, loneliness, spiritual crises, job crisis, illness, aging, relocation, birth, adoption, miscarriage or infertility, and many more.

A Stephen Minister is

• A child of God who walks beside a hurting person.
• A dependable, caring Christian friend who really listens and supports.
• An individual committed to walking along side of a hurting person.
• A lay person who has received more than 50 hours of training in how to provide compassionate, distinctively Christian care.
• An individual committed to preserving the confidential nature of a caring relationship.
• An individual who participates in regular support and supervision under the guidance of trained Stephen Leaders.
• A person who receives continuing education and skill building in order to provide the best care possible to a care receiver.

“Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

A Stephen Minister is not…

• A counselor or therapist.
• An expert in law or finance.
• A problem-solver.
• A person equipped to provide physical services such as baby-sitting or meals.
• A casual visitor.

• Is life more than you can handle alone right now?
• Are your health, your attitude, and/or your relationships suffering?
• Are you adjusting to a new job, change in marital status, a serious illness, the death of a loved one, a recent move?

Every child of God experiences pain and heals from life's challenges uniquely. It's important to remember that each person defines a crisis differently. There is no right or wrong way to feel when these circumstances occur. Just because a specific experience such as childbirth or retirement is uneventful for some, doesn't mean it isn't a challenging and hurt-full time for others.

Jesus taught us by example how to reach out to hurting people and comfort them with our love. Stephen Ministers mimic those teachings as they walk in Christ-like shoes beside people who need to feel God's enduring love through another person.

A Stephen Minister offers encouragement and hope to a hurting person. Having someone to care, to listen, and to share God's love can help make difficult times less confusing, stressful, or lonely. There are times when each of us needs the care of another person… a Christian friend… a Stephen Minster.

Stephen Ministers walk beside people who are…

• Hospitalized or terminally ill
• Providing care for a family member
• Grieving the loss of a loved one
• In a job crisis
• New to a community
• In a spiritual crisis
• Facing life transitions
• Experiencing birth or adoption
• Facing anxiety or depression
• Homebound or lonely
• Looking for a caring, Christian friend!

“Therefore encourage one another and build up each other.” 1Thessalonians 5:11

Stephen Ministry provides "confidential" care

Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry. Those receiving care can be sure that their identities and what transpires between them and their care givers will remain private.

If you, or someone you know, could benefit from a Stephen Minister, please contact Tamara Karlstrand at 651-458-3775.

Pray for our Stephen Leaders and Stephen Ministers as they provide Christian care for others.

Remember in your prayers those who are receiving the confidential care through WLC's program and the hundreds of Stephen Ministry programs throughout the world.

Tell Stephen Leaders about those who might benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister…be sure to get that person's permission first! It is the role of the entire congregation to help identify needs which can be addressed through Stephen Ministry. This is the congregation's ministry.

Share with others in our community about the availability of WLC's Stephen Ministry program and the care it can provide.

Receive Stephen Ministry when you are in need of supportive Christian care.

Consider serving as a Stephen Minister.

Support Stephen Ministry with your financial contributions to fund leadership training, continuing education opportunities, and resources, such as a literature and video library available to Stephen Ministers and their care receivers.

Stephen Ministry equips members of a congregation with the skills, knowledge, and spiritual support to provide distinctively Christian care to those who are hurting.

• Do you have faith in Jesus Christ?
• Do you have a desire to care for others?
• Do you feel you have the gift of mercy, encouragement or intercession?
• Do you have a desire for accountability and supervision by peers on a regular basis to ensure Christian care in a non-judgmental way?

Stephen Ministers receive 50 hours of initial training and also ongoing training, support and supervision. People interested in becoming a Stephen Minister are asked to submit an application followed by an interview. This process ensures that it is a good fit for the applicant and the commitment required is fully explained.

If you are interested in obtaining more information about being a Stephen Minister or becoming part of the Woodbury Lutheran Stephen Ministry Team, please contact Tamara Karlstrand at 651-458-3775.