What is Stephen Ministry?

It is a caring ministry by trained men and women of our congregation dedicated to carrying out Christ’s command to “carry one another’s burdens”.  They are not counselors or therapists.  They are caring friends who can offer a listening ear to help others through tough times. Stephen Ministers are trained and continually supervised in this ministry. Confidentiality is first and foremost in the relationship with a Stephen Minister. 

Care receivers are people—parishioners and others in the community—who receive care from a Stephen Minister. These are people struggling through a difficult time in life—experiencing grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, or some other life crisis.
Some important guidelines for this caring relationship protect both the care receiver and the Stephen Minister:
  • The relationship between a care receiver and a Stephen Minister is confidential.
  • Men are matched with men; women with women.
  • When a care receiver’s needs exceed what a Stephen Minister can provide, the Stephen Ministry team makes a referral to an appropriate mental health professional or other community resource.

If you are going through a tough time and could use a listening ear, please contact Pastor Tim at twendelin@bethlehemdenver.com or Martha Rowley by clicking the button below. 

I'M INTERESTED IN CONNECTING WITH A STEPHEN MINISTER 

Are you looking for a way to serve those around you that need compassion and a listening ear?  If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, training will be offered starting April 5th.  Please click the button below for more information.

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