Christ Caring for People through People

What is the Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry is trained, caring people listening and providing support to those in need.
 
A Stephen Minister is
• A child of God who walks beside a hurting person
• A caring Christian who really listens
• A member of our congregation who has received 50 hours of training in how to provide distinctively Christian care
• A person who is ready to focus on your needs
• A trustworthy confidant who will keep everything you say  — and even your identity — confidential
• Someone who will faithfully meet with you on a weekly basis for as long as your need persists
 
A Stephen Minister is not
• A counselor or a therapist
• A problem solver
• Someone who run errands or helps with chores
• A casual visitor
 
A Stephen Minister Cares for those who are
• Facing hospitalization, a disability or the unknown
• Bereaved, lonely or depressed
• Transitioning into retirement
• Experiencing a spiritual crisis
• Terminally ill
• New to the congregation
• Unemployment or job crisis
• Facing countless other crisis or life challenges or who are going through a difficult time and could benefit from the care of a supportive christian friend

What qualifications would I need to be a Stephen Minister?
• Enjoy people
• Allow christ to work through you
• Care for people
 
What’s involved in becoming a Stephen Minister?
Talk to any member of our Stephen Leader Team:
Becky DeWees (210.826.6666 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )
Karin Gabrielson (210.843.2475 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )
Lee Richardson (210.516.2994 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )
Ray Torres (210.314.4600 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )
 

The Core Purpose (Mission) of Stephen Ministries
Stephen Ministries’ Core Purpose is summed up in the words of St. Paul in his letter to the Ephesians. These verses have been rendered by renowned calligrapher Timothy Botts on the entryway wall to the Stephen Ministries Center, boldly proclaiming the mission to everyone who enters.

“To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:12-13).
 

The Core Values of Stephen Ministries
• Incarnational theology
• Ministry as the privilege and responsibility of all God's people
• Empowering those we serve to get excellent results
• Personal humility
• Organizational stability
• Positive work environment

Stephen Ministers are ready to help
The Stephen Ministry is now fully operational at First Presbyterian Church. Nine new ministers were commissioned in March 2011. Assignments to care receivers are ongoing. The Stephen Ministry is a uniquely Christian ministry wherein female Stephen Ministers are only assigned to female care receivers, and the same for men. The training program is very thorough, and is enhanced through continuing education classes that meet throughout the year.

Leaders are Becky DeWees, Karin Gabrielson, Lee Richardson, Ray Torres, and The Rev. Scott Simpson.

Contact Scott Simpson (210.271.2712 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) if you are interested in becoming a part of this valuable ministry.

Download a Stephen Minister application form.