Stephen Ministry

STEPHEN MINISTRY

June 12 – 14th, 2026.  What an incredible 30th anniversary celebration for Stephen Ministry!  We recognized and reunited with past and present Stephen Ministers and Leaders over the past 30 years from Zion and Resurrection.  Good Shepherd and Messiah, PA have become a huge part of our present core group as well.   A HUGE THANK YOU to all those who came out and participated, shared stories, who were fed with food for the soul as well as their bodies.

Friday night we enjoyed a gathering with appetizers and punch and welcomed members we hadn’t seen in some time.  Lots of catching up was done.  Saturday was filled with devotions, music, food, games, food, stories and testimonials and more food!  We topped the evening off with a turkey supper banquet and some incredibly powerful and motivational words from our own, Bishop Ali.  We unveiled a new banner (Thank you Margaret Fast!) to celebrate our 30 year milestone.

Sunday worship was held at Zion, led by and hosted by the Stephen Leaders.  A special thanks to Pastor Sean Bell for the timely sermon and for keeping the weekend flowing smoothly.  Thanks to Redeemer for the space to celebrate and to Zion for the special worship service.   A huge thanks to all who attended and participated.  We trust that this ministry continues to be valuable and significant in your congregations for many more years to come!

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.