Saskatoon (and Area) Stephen Ministry is planning a 30 year reunion in June 2026. We are looking for past and present Stephen Ministers, Stephen Leaders and care receivers to contact us. You can like and follow our Facebook Page @Saskatoon Stephen Ministry 30 year Reunion. Please forward to anyone who may not have received this notice. We also want to remember those who have served but gone before us. Details will come available as they unfold. Looking forward to this!
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.”
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.
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
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 