The Trinity Stephen Ministry Program
A program of our congregation that equips lay persons to
provide distinctively Christian one-to-one care to those who
are 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 their initial training; Visit another person regularly
and dependably and offer 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.

Meeting the Needs of People
There are times when each of us needs the care of another
person, a Christian friend, a Stephen Minister! These needs
include but are not limited to…

The hospitalized
The terminally ill and their families
People who move into or out of our community
Those grieving a death or serious loss
The homebound and institutionalized
Prisoners, ex-offenders and their families
Those with a job crisis
The aging and elderly
Those with disabilities and their families
Those needing the support of a Christian friend
Those facing life transitions
The separated or divorced
Households experiencing birth or adoption
Those in spiritual crisis

Stephen Ministry Is Confidential Ministry
those receiving care can be sure that their identity and what
goes on in the caring relationship will remain private.

Multiplying Our Christian Caregiving
and Outreach
Our Stephen Ministers work together with our pastor(s) to
reach more people with Christian care than pastors can reach
by themselves. Thus creating a "caring ministry explosion"
where many instead of a few are offering God's love and
care in intentional, systematic ways. Enabling our entire
congregation to grow as a warm, loving, nurturing community
where people are cherished and cared for in Jesus Christ.
Stephen Ministry dentifies our congregation to our community
as a place where people's needs are taken seriously.

People who receive care from a Stephen Minister
Receive quality Christian care
Deepen their relationship with their Lord
Grow in their desire to participate in Christian community
Come to value ministry from another lay person while continuing contact with the pastor.

About the Leaders of Trinity's Stephen Ministry
Stephen Leaders are pastors, church staff, and/or lay persons
who have completed a seven-day Stephen Series Leader's
Training course and are commissioned to lead the Stephen
Ministry of our congregation.

Trinity's Stephen Leaders Can...
Help you or someone you know receive care from a Stephen
Minister

Tell you how to become a Stephen Minister

Tell you about Stephen Ministry training and our next training class

Answer other questions about Trinity's Stephen Ministry program.

How You Can Support Trinity's Stephen Ministry
Pray for our Stephen Leaders and Stephen Ministers as they
provide Christian care to others.

Pray for all who are receiving confidential care through the
Stephen Ministry of our congregation.

Tell Stephen Leaders about those who might benefit from the care
of a Stephen Minister-be sure to get that person's permission first!

Tell others in our community about the availability of Trinity's
Stephen Ministry and 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 gifts.

"Put on then, as God's chosen ones,
holy and beloved, compassion."
- Collossians 3:12

"Bear one another's burdens
and so fulfill the law of Christ."
- Galatians 6:2

Christ Caring for People
through People

"Encourage one another and
build one another up."
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Love One Another…
as I have loved you.