Stephen Ministry

What is Stephen Ministry?

One-to-one confidential ministry by trained, caring lay ministers who have responded to Christ's call to "carry each other's burdens."

What is a Stephen Minister?

A Stephen Minister is . . .

A child of God who walks beside a hurting person
A caring Christian friend who listens
A lay person who has received 50 hours of training in how to provide distinctively Christian care.

A Stephen Minister is NOT . . .

A counselor or therapist
A problem solver
A casual visitor

Who / What is Stephen Ministry for?

Loneliness
Loss of Spouse or other loved one
Unemployment
Despair
Childbirth
Hospitalization
Separation and Divorce
Grief
Terminal Illness
Being shut-in

Who can benefit? Anyone going through difficult times who needs someone to care, listen and share God's love with them on a one-to-one, confidential basis.

What does The Symbol of Stephen Ministry Represent?

The symbol is a cross and circle, along with a broken person and a whole person. The broken person behind the cross symbolizes the brokenness in our lives due to our sin and imperfections. The whole person in front of the cross symbolizes the wholeness we can only receive through the cross of Jesus. The circle symbolizes both the wholeness we receive through Christ and God's unending love for us.

How do I Request a Stephen Minister?

By calling the church office at (626) 447-2181 or by submitting a request.

Interested in Becoming a Stephen Minister?

Sharing Love

Stephen Ministry has been actively in place at Church of the Good Shepherd, Arcadia for over four years. This ministry has been a blessing to individuals, to the Stephen Ministers themselves and to the whole congregation. To continue and expand this ministry of care, we are beginning another Stephen Ministry training class very soon. Take advantage of this opportunity to share the love that God has given you. You will find that being a Stephen Minister will not only be helpful to others, but it will be one of the most fulfilling and joyful experiences you have ever had.

How can I Get Involved?

Stephen Ministry is grounded in Jesus' command to love one another. Through one-to-one caring and confidential relationships, those who are hurting receive the love and care they need to support them.

Do you have the gift of mercy, encouragement or intercession?

Pray for our Stephen Ministers
Help us stay sensitive to those who need caring support
Help make others aware of the support system that is available
Consider God's direction as to whether you should become a Stephen Minister

It is a calling . . .

"Please Keep this Confidential . . ."

When you say these words to your Stephen Minister, you can be assured he / she will keep quiet about what you share. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the Stephen Ministry. Stephen Ministers don't reveal anything their care receiver says - and don't even tell anyone who their care receiver is.

Stephen Ministry Needs YOU!

Stephen Ministry is based on the idea that all Christians are ministers. The responsibility for passing on God's love is for all Christians, not just a chosen few. God has given us all gifts for ministry and called us to put those gifts to use. Stephen Ministry is a place where people with gifts for caring ministry can use those gifts to bring Christ's love to people in need. Prayerfully consider if you should become a Stephen Minister.

If interested, contact the Church office for a referral or by submitting a request .

It is YOUR Ministry!

It is an important way we at Church of the Good Shepherd care for one another.

If you are going through a difficult time, consider having a Stephen Minister.
If you know someone else who is facing difficultities, suggest they request a Stephen Minister.
Consider God's direction as to whether you should become a Stephen Minister.