The St. Luke United Methodist Church mission statement describes our mission as one to create an open, loving, inclusive community in which Jesus Christ is known, loved and served; to encourage, equip and challenge ourselves and others to reach out in love and support to others.  The Stephen Ministry program at St. Luke is focused on doing just that. 

What is Stephen Ministry?

• Stephen Ministry is grounded in the command of Jesus to love one another.  Through one-to-one caring relationships, those who are hurting receive the love and care they need to support them.  You see, everyone goes through difficult times.  Having someone to care, to listen, and to share God’s love with you can help you get through the confusion, stress, or loneliness people may experience.

Who are Stephen Ministers?

• Stephen Ministers are laypersons who are trained and supervised by Stephen Leaders to provide distinctively Christian care to people in need.

• Stephen Ministers make a commitment, which includes 50 hours of training, ongoing supervisory meetings, and an average of a one-hour visit per week with a person receiving their care.

• Stephen Ministers are named after St. Stephen, one of the first deacons of the Christian church, commissioned by the apostles to care for the needs of people in the Christian community.
• Stephen Ministers recognize that this is a confidential ministry in which continuous effort is expended to maintain the body of trust between the person receiving care and the caregiver.

If you are experiencing a difficult time right now, please call Rev. Suzanne Cobb for referral to a Stephen Minister, or contact the church office at 776-2012.

If you are interested in fulfilling Paul’s command in Galatians 6 to “carry each other’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ”, please call  Linda Gressel to discuss your interest in being a Stephen Minister.

Stephen Ministers Care!

Visit the web site for Stephen Ministry at http://www.stephenministries.org/