Stephen Ministry

The Stephen Ministry is a ministry in our congregation in which trained, supervised lay persons, called Stephen Ministers, provide one-on-one confidential Christian care to individuals facing life challenges or difficulties. It is a Christ centered ministry in which Stephen Ministers:

• Express God's care by caring for others
• Receive 50 hours of initial training
• Are commissioned as Stephen Ministers after completing the
  initial 5 month training
• Visit a person in need on a regular basis, offering Christian support and care
• Participate in bi-weekly support and confidential supervision under
  the guidance of our specially trained Stephen Leaders
• Are committed to preserving the confidential nature of the caring relationship
• Agree to serve for a minimum of 2 years
• Receive continuing education and skills, building training throughout
  their years of service.

Ascension Church currently has 9 active Stephen Ministers, who meet the 2nd and 4th Thursday evenings of every month. Although these Ministers form the core of the ministry, they depend upon the clergy and the congregation to confidentially advise regarding people who may benefit from receiving the care provided by this program. Because of this, Stephen Ministry is viewed as a ministry of the entire congregation.

The following is adapted from a presentation by Ernie Bourland:

Frequently friends will ask, "Can you tell me exactly what a Stephen Minister is?" I like to explain that Stephen Ministers are "After People."

Stephen Ministers are there:

• after you've washed and returned the last casserole dish
• after the divorce papers have been served and the bottom falls out of your life
• after the last child honks the horn, waves and drives away, and the house suddenly seems incredibly empty
• after you arrive home following the funeral service and the emotions you've held at bay come crashing in on you
• after the relationship has ended but the wounds are still bleeding and painful
• after the doctors have said "There's nothing more we can do."
• after the door has slammed shut, for the very last time
• after the phone call you'd always hoped you'd never get
• after you realize the hands on the gold watch you received at your retirement party move more slowly than you ever imagined
• after the nursing home director shakes your hand and says, "Welcome to your new home."
• after the gavel goes down, the handcuffs go on and your loved one is led away
• after the baby has arrived, putting more demands on you than you ever dreamed possible
• after you find the pink slip inserted with what is now your final paycheck
• after your family and friends have heard your story one too many times, but you still need to talk about it.

Stephen Ministers are the "After People." We are ready to come alongside you, or your friends, neighbors, coworkers, or relatives, and provide comfort and support for as long "after" as we are needed.

Stephen Ministry

Learn more about the parent organization at Christ Care.

Coming Events

Training class for new Stephen Ministers starts each September.

E Mail us at the Parish Office or call us at (713) 781-1330 for more details.