Stephen Ministry

A confidential, one-to-one Christian care ministry in which trained congregation members provide emotional and spiritual support to people who are going through difficult times.

Our Purpose

Life brings seasons of challenge—grief, illness, loneliness, stress, divorce, job loss, or other personal struggles. During these times it can be helpful to have someone who will listen, care, pray, and walk alongside you.

Stephen Ministers are trained lay caregivers who meet regularly with those who need support, offering compassionate care rooted in Christian love.

The purpose of Stephen Ministry is to extend the care of the church beyond the pastoral staff by equipping members of the congregation to provide high-quality, Christ-centered care to those who are hurting.

Stephen Ministers:

• Listen without judgment
• Offer encouragement and emotional support
• Pray with and for those they serve
• Maintain strict confidentiality
• Walk alongside people during difficult seasons of life

This ministry reflects the biblical call to “carry each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2).

Who Can Receive Care?

Stephen Ministry is available to anyone experiencing a challenging season of life, including:

  • Grief after the loss of a loved one

  • Hospitalization or serious illness

  • Divorce or separation

  • Job loss or financial stress

  • Loneliness or discouragement

  • Major life transitions

  • Caregiving stress

  • Spiritual struggles or questions

A Stephen Minister provides consistent care and support through regular meetings and prayerful encouragement.

How Stephen Ministry Works

  1. Request Care – If you or someone you know could benefit from a Stephen Minister, contact the church office or a Stephen Ministry Leader.

  2. Matched With a Stephen Minister – A trained caregiver will be thoughtfully matched with you.

  3. Regular Care Meetings – The Stephen Minister meets regularly with you to listen, pray, and offer support.

  4. Confidential Care – Everything shared in Stephen Ministry remains strictly confidential.

Become a Stephen Minister

Stephen Ministry also equips members of the congregation to serve as caregivers. Stephen Ministers receive training in:

  • Active listening

  • Christian caregiving

  • Confidentiality and boundaries

  • Prayer and spiritual encouragement

  • Responding to life crises

If you feel called to care for others and would like to learn more about becoming a Stephen Minister, we invite you to contact us. 

Contact Stephen Ministry

If you would like to receive care or learn more about Stephen Ministry, please contact:

[Church Office / Stephen Ministry Leader]

  • Church Office - (936) 327-7100

  • Sherry Holster - 936-223-9366

All requests are handled with care and confidentiality.