WHAT DO STEPHEN MINISTERS DO?
Stephen Ministers are lay Christian caregivers who are trained, commissioned, and supervised in their caring ministry. Stephen Ministers provide high-quality, one-to-one, confidential, Christ-centered care in the form of emotional and spiritual support. They take part in 50 hour training curriculum, supervision group review, and continuing education, that thoroughly equips them to care for people dealing with a wide range of life difficulties.
WHAT KINDS OF LIFE CHALLENGES DO
STEPHEN MINISTERS OFFER CARE FOR?
Grief
Divorce
Separation
Cancer diagnosis
Medical crisis
Spiritual crisis
Stress related to being a caregiver
Hospitalization
Terminal illness
Chronic health conditions
Adjustment to disability
Infertility
Miscarriage
Children leaving home
Challenges related to parenting
Issues related to aging
Adjustment to retirement
Job stress
Unemployment
Relocation
Changes to living situation
Military deployment of a loved one
Rehabilitation from illness or injury
Natural disaster
Financial stress
Job loss
​People who are also closely connected to an individual experiencing any of these crises, such as family members or other loved ones, may also benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister.
IF I, OR SOMEONE I KNOW, MIGHT BENEFIT FROM
HAVING A STEPHEN MINISTER, WHAT DO I DO?
You may contact Jim Gibson or Erin Turberville for more information. You may also email care@riveroakspca.org and a trusted member of the Stephen Ministry will contact you. ​
CARE RECEIVERS TELL THEIR STORIES:
“Lay caregivers bear a powerful witness to the love and compassion of Christ through their own compassionate interaction with those that are hurting.”
The Missional Value of Christian Care for 21st Century Congregations