Trained caregivers from Saint Francis are dedicated to offering confidential and caring help and support. Help is available to all members and non-members undergoing changes related to hospitalization, bereavement, divorce, pregnancy, convalescence, job loss, of any other type of life's challenges.

What is the Stephen Ministry Program?

Stephen Ministry is a program that...

• Equips lay persons to provide distinctly Christian care to individuals who are experiencing all kinds of life needs and circumstances
• Multiplies our Christian care and outreach by working with the church staff to provide adjunct or long-term care
• Enhances our outreach by creating "a caring church"
  • Where many (instead of a few) offer Christ's love and care in intentional, systematic ways
  • Which understands itself to be a warm, loving and nurturing community
  • That identifies our congregation to the community as a place where people's needs are taken seriously.
• Meets the needs of people who need the care of other people.

Who are our Stephen Ministers?

St. Francis Stephen Ministers are a small group of gifted and dedicated lay volunteers. Their mission is to provide personal, confidential caring Christian support for any of a wide variety of concerns. Stephen Ministers are thoroughly trained in the skills of compassionate listening an non-directive conflict clarification. All our Stephen Ministers are selected for participation in this program on the basis of their capability to provide mature and professional care and support.

With what kinds of of problems can Stephen Ministers help?

An exhaustive list would be impossible to present. Stephen Ministers are given specific instruction in a wide variety of life-issues. The following are just a few of the areas in which a Stephen Minister might provide resources, care and support.

• Where there is illness... care to the hospitalized, homebound, disabled, chronically or terminally ill.
• Where there are work-related problems... to the unemployed, the under-employed, those seeking or undergoing career change, retirement, job stress.
• Where there are family changes... care for the bereaved, support to new parents, separation or divorce.
• To the elderly. To those battling substance abuse. To those who are depressed, anxious or stressed. To anyone in any sort of spiritual crisis.

What sort of training do Stephen Ministers receive?

Fifty hours of intensive course work begin the Stephen Minister training process. Monthly continuing education is also required. On top of all this, Stephen Ministers meet twice monthly in a small group setting for supervision.

Can a Stephen Minister substitute for a therapist?

Absolutely not! Stephen Ministry is not a counseling program - it is a caring ministry. Unlike therapists, Stephen Ministers are not primarily problem solvers. They are fellow members of the body of Christ who stand with you, offering the love of Christ.

How can I receive a Stephen Minister?

Persons looking for Stephen Minister need to go through St. Francis' referral process. It works like this...

• A person, - either you, a relative or a friend - is hurting and in need of Christian care.
• The Stephen Ministry Referrals Coordinator learns about this need for care - from the church staff, the person or a friend, always with the person's permission.
• The Referrals Coordinator meets with the person to talk about Stephen Ministry.
• With the person's permission, the Referrals Coordinator assigns a Stephen Minister to meet on a weekly basis with the person.
• The Stephen Minister continues to provide distinctly Christian care for the person, with strict confidentiality.

Who will know that I have a Stephen Minister?

Only those to whom you choose to reveal it. All Stephen Ministry relationships are strictly confidential. Besides the Referral Coordinator and your own Stephen Minister, no one else will know. 

How do I make that first phone call?

Contact the church office at 919-362-1666 for the name and phone number of the Referral Coordinator. Or you may choose to work through anyone on the church staff.

How can I become a Stephen Minister?

Training to be a Stephen Minister requires 50 hours of training, plus 4 to 8 hours a month commitment following training. If you are interested in becoming a part of the St. Francis' Stephen Ministry, contact the church office (362-1666).

The Stephen Ministry Web Page can be found at http://www.stephenministries.org (Opens new browser window).