Stephen Ministers provide one-to-one, lay, Christian care.
One-to-one care usually lasts about an hour each week. Men meet with men and women meet with women.
As lay ministers, Stephen Ministers are trained and supervised ~ not professional counselors or therapists, pastors, or physicians.
Christian care is provided in the name of Christ.
Stephen Ministers care by listening, supporting, encouraging, and praying with their care receivers.
Our care is confidential, supervised, and has limitations
Stephen Ministry care is always confidential. Outside of the caring relationship, the person receiving care is always referred to as a "care receiver" and never by name.
Care is supervised by other Stephen Ministers, Stephen Leaders, and parish Priest, but always in a confidential way. Information that would identify a care receiver is never shared.
There are limitations to this care. Stephen Ministry does not provide care for minors, couples, families, or those needing the care of a mental health professional or physician.
If you think you can use a Stephen Minister, you can follow the next steps.
If you think Stephen Ministry can help you, email the Stephen Leaders Team at [email protected]
The referral coordinator will explain how Stephen Ministry works in more detail and determine the best available Stephen Minister to address your needs.