Stephen Ministry

Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2, NRSV).

Loneliness? Loss of a spouse? Retirement changes? Unemployment? Discouragement? Childbirth? Hospitalization? Divorce? Grief? Terminal Illness? Being shut-in?

We all go through tough times in life. During those times, it is easy to isolate or pretend that everything is okay when you are deeply hurting inside. So, allow someone to come alongside of you to listen and help carry the burden that you are carrying.

Stephen Ministers provide one-to-one caring and confidential help to those who are hurting. Each Stephen Minister from Gloria Dei has received extensive training from Stephen Ministry, a not-for-profit Christian educational organization equipping others to help those in many of life’s situations.

If you are experiencing a difficult time and would like to talk a Stephen Minister, contact Pastor Tim. With your permission, he will assign you a caring Stephen Minister. All conversations are completely confidential.

Having a tough time? Need someone to talk to?

Stephen Ministers are great listeners! They have been screened and specially trained in confidential listening, reflecting, and support. Most importantly they mirror the love of Christ in interactions with someone who is struggling with life situations. Each Stephen Minister interacts with one person at a time and will visit with their care receiver until the struggle is over.

Tell me more about a Stephen Minister.
Stephen Ministers are laypeople trained to provide one-to-one Christ-centered care. They have a compassionate heart for those who are hurting, and they’ve been equipped with caring ministry skills by their congregation’s Stephen Leaders. A Stephen Minister typically has one care receiver at a time and meets with that person once a week to listen, care, pray, encourage, and offer emotional and spiritual support.

What is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry, is a not-for-profit Christian educational organization, founded in 1975 and based in St. Louis, Missouri, that equips, trains, and empowers individuals to provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to people who are hurting.

It draws its name from St. Stephen. In the book of Acts, Chapter 6, Stephen was chosen to provide caring ministry to those in need. Since the days of the Apostles, caring ministry has been a hallmark of the Christian faith community—and is at the heart of all we do at Stephen Ministries.

Will Stephen Ministers help those outside of our church? 

Yes! Stephen Ministers can and love to provide care for people in the broader community, enhancing and expanding God’s healing touch to the world.

For more information, contact Pastor Tim Phillips.