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Stephen Ministry

WHAT IS STEPHEN MINISTRY?

Pastors will always be on the front lines of care, especially times of crisis. But there are always many more needs for ongoing, one-to-one care than pastors can effectively meet by themselves. Stephen Ministry is a national program that seeks to provide a biblical solution by equipping God's people - the church - for ministry. The Vineyard Stephen Ministry is made up of everyday, ordinary people who are gifted and trained to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to individuals in our community who are experiencing difficulties in their lives.
 
A STEPHEN MINISTER IS...
  • a child of God who walks beside a person who is hurting....a member of the Vineyard family with a gift for caring for people who was carefully selected to serve in this role.
  • not employed by the Vineyard but is an everyday, ordinary person who has received 50 hours of training in providing emotional and spiritual care.
  • a caring, Christian friend who listens, cares, prays, supports, and encourages.
  • someone who will be there for his or her care receiver, meeting faithfully for about an hour each week, for as long as there is a need.
STEPHEN MINISTERS CARE
FOR PEOPLE FACING TOUGH TIMES

We all experience challenges in life - times when we could benefit from the support of a caring Christian friend. Stephen Ministers are ready to provide the emotional and spiritual care we need when faced with a crisis or difficulty such as:
  • the loss of a loved one
  • hospitalization
  • divorce or separation
  • loneliness or discouragement
  • spiritual crisis
  • unemployment or job crisis
  • a terminal illness
  • incarceration
  • aging
  • birth, adoption, miscarriage, or infertility
  • a chronic illness
  • relocation
  • recovery after an accident or disaster
  • and many more
STEPHEN MINISTRY IS YOUR MINISTRY

You play a huge role in our Stephen Ministry. Here's what you can do:
  • PRAY for God to bring hope and healing to hurting people through Stephen Ministry.
  • ACCEPT CARE from a Stephen Minister during your time of need. God doesn't expect you to bear your burdens alone.
  • TELL A FRIEND, neighbor, coworker, or relative who is hurting about our Stephen Ministry.
  • If you are a good listener and a compassionate person, prayerfully CONSIDER BECOMING A STEPHEN MINISTER.
If you or someone you know are in need of a Stephen Minister, or if you would like to volunteer to be a Stephen Minister, or if you simply want more information about the Stephen Ministry please call Linda at 504 467-3257 or contact us here.