Stephen Ministry
at St. Andrew's
Presbyterian Church,
Kitchener

Stephen Ministry Program - CHRIST CARING FOR PEOPLE THROUGH PEOPLE.

The Stephen Ministry is 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 in the community.

Brief History

The Stephen Ministry is a ministry named after Stephen, the first deacon in the early church, commissioned by the Apostles to care for the needs of believers. The Stephen Ministry program was started by Dr. Kenneth C. Haugk, an ordained minister and clinical psychologist, in 1975.

At St. Andrew's The first class of Stephen Ministry began in October of 1993. A group of 12 congregational members and two Stephen leaders, (who were trained in the St. Louis Missouri Head Office) began the process of covering the 50 hours of training. Since then, 6 other classes have been trained in a similar fashion by 7 other Stephen Leaders. Over 40 Stephen ministers have completed the training. 15 Stephen Ministers are currently active.

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

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

Stephen Ministry Meets 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 and divorced
• households experiencing birth or adoption
• those in spiritual crisis

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

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

Confidentiality

Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry; those receiving care can be sure that their identity and what goes on in the caring relationship will remain private

How Do I Reach a Stephen Minister?
When you need someone to talk to during dark times . . . a friend to listen, to encourage, to pray and to care . . . call one of our Ministers, or the Church Office at 578-4430. Great consideration and prayer will be given to selecting a Stephen Minister especially for you.

Link to the Stephen Ministry Head Office in St. Louis, Missouri
Links to other Church Web Sites with a Stephen Ministry Program

Oakridge Presbyterian Church, London, Ontario
North Raleigh United Methodist Church, Raleigh, NC
The United Churches of Olympia, WA
The First Congregational United Church of Christ, Downers Grove, IL
Saint Timothy's Episcopal Church, Mountain View, CA
Eastridge Presbyterian Church, Lincoln, NB
Newbury Park First Christian Church, Newbury Park, CA
Second Presbyterian Church, Lexington, KY
St. Patrick's Episcopal Church, Atlanta, Georgia

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Comments and suggestions are most welcome.