The benefits of Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministry is a church-based, lay caregiving program that equips trained volunteers (Stephen Ministers) to provide one-to-one Christian care to people going through difficult seasons. Its benefits are wide-ranging—for individuals, churches, and the wider community.
Benefits for Care Receivers
- Consistent, confidential support during crises such as grief, illness, divorce, job loss, or loneliness
- Christ-centered care that integrates faith, prayer, and Scripture with emotional support
- Long-term companionship, not just short-term help
- Reduced isolation, knowing someone walks alongside them regularly
Benefits for Stephen Ministers (Caregivers)
- High-quality training in listening, empathy, boundaries, and spiritual care
- Personal spiritual growth and deeper faith maturity
- Meaningful service, using gifts to care for others in tangible ways
- Ongoing supervision and support, preventing burnout
Benefits for Pastors and Church Leaders
- Shared care responsibilities, allowing pastors to focus on preaching, teaching, and leadership
- Stronger pastoral care system without overextending clergy
- Confidence that members are well cared for, even in complex or long-term situations
Benefits for the Congregation
- A culture of care, compassion, and mutual support
- Stronger relationships and trust within the church community
- Practical expression of Christian love, not just words
- Effective outreach, as care often extends beyond church members
Benefits for the Community
- Accessible emotional and spiritual care at no cost
- A visible witness of Christ’s love through compassionate presence
- Support during life’s hardest moments, when people are most vulnerable
In short, Stephen Ministry strengthens the church’s ability to live out Galatians 6:2—“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Stephen Ministries was founded on November 3, 1975, which means this year marks the organization’s 50th anniversary!
This is a significant milestone—for Stephen Ministries St. Louis and for all those who have been part of our mission over the past half-century to equip the saints for ministry and build a more caring world.
Please join us for service at Resurrection Lutheran Church on November 16, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. to learn about Stephen Ministry, how to get involved, the benefits of receiving care and the benefits of giving care with Christ at the center.
To read the most recent Stephen Ministry Newsletter, you can find it here – https://zionsaskatoon.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/june-newsletter.pdf
Who are the “After People”?
Stephen Ministers are the “after people” who are ready to come alongside you – or your friends, or your neighbors, coworkers, or relatives and provide comfort and support for as long as “after” is needed.
But “after” what?
Stephen Ministers are trained to journey with you after a divorce, a devasting diagnosis, a death of a loved one, losing a job or after the birth of a new baby, a move to long term care and more.
If you would like a visit from a Stephen Minister or feel that you are being called to take the Stephen Ministry training please contact Pastor Hugh Farmer at 306-221-9484 or speak to a Stephen Minister in your congregation. A new Stephen Ministry Training will be starting later this fall.
To read the most recent Stephen Ministry Newsletter, you can find it here – https://zionsaskatoon.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/sm-newsletter-june-2023.pdf
By now, you have all heard about the Stephen Ministry program. It is alive and well in many of our congregations. (If it’s not – it can be!) A new training class is beginning soon, and we hope to get in a few sessions before Christmas approaches. Talk to your pastor or one of the Stephen Leaders listed below if you would like to join us. Talk to former and current Stephen Ministers if you have any questions or concerns. Most of all, PRAY that you are being led to serve in this way. We are all caring people. Let’s be intentional in our caregiving in our faith communities.
Sharon Babcock Adri Booth Pastor Hugh Farmer Fran Seidler
Would you like to be part of a ministry that makes a real difference in other’s lives when they need it most – and in your own? Consider becoming a Stephen Minister!
Stephen Ministers are members of our congregation who provide one – to – one caring ministry to people experiencing grief, divorce, loneliness, job loss, hospitalization, and many other life difficulties.
Stephen Minister training equips you to do an excellent job as a Stephen Minister as well as to improve the quality of all your relationships. Topics include:
- Listening
- Feelings
- Confidentiality
- Providing Christian care
- Maintaining Boundaries
- Crisis Theory and practice
- Ministering to people experiencing grief, divorce, hospitalization, illness and more
Once equipped Stephen Ministers are prayerfully matched with people who are going through a stressful time or life difficulty. A Stephen Minister meets with this person once a week for about an hour to listen, care, encourage, and pray. The Stephen Minster brings Christ’s presence into the person’s life and also experiences Christ in the other person. It’s really a life-changing ministry for both the care receiver and the Stephen Minister.
If you‘d like to learn more about how to become a Stephen Minister – Talk with your pastor or a Stephen Leader. The Inter-Lutheran Stephen Ministry Leader Group are planning to hold a Stephen Ministry Training Session this fall. Please let us know that you would like to apply to join the class by calling Pastor Hugh Farmer at 306-221-9484, Fran Seidler at 306-280-0549, Adri Booth at 306-221-2490, or Sharon Babcock at 306-291-0084.
Zion Lutheran Church - Saskatoon 