First United
Methodist Church

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called the Stephen Series?
It is named Stephen after one of the first persons commissioned by the Apostles to provide caring ministry (Acts 6). The word Series describes the sequence of steps a congregation follows to implement the lay caring ministry system commonly referred to as Stephen Ministry.

How long has Stephen Ministries St. Louis been in existence?
They were incorporated as a not-for-profit religious and educational organization in 1975. Their headquarters and staff of about 50 persons - clergy and lay - are based in St. Louis, Missouri.

How many congregations are involved in Stephen Ministry?
More than 9,000 congregations worldwide are enrolled in the Stephen Series, with about 400 new ones enrolling each year. Congregations from more than 100 denominations are using the Stephen Series.

How does Stephen Ministry benefit pastors?
Stephen Ministry lifts much of the caregiving load from the shoulders of pastors, multiplies the amount of care congregations can provide, and frees pastors to focus on ministry areas that only pastors can do. Pastors report great joy in seeing many more people receiving quality Christian care than they alone could ever reach. Many pastors also find deep satisfaction in "equipping the saints for ministry" (Ephesians 4:12)

How does Stephen Ministry affect existing ministries in the congregation?
Stephen Ministry complements and strengthens other ministries. When pastors, deacons, shepherds, group leaders, and other caregivers encounter people who need more focused, sustained, one-to-one care than they have time to provide, they can refer those persons to Stephen Minsitry. In addition, many congregations use all or portions of Stephen Minister training to enhance the skills of their other caregivers.

Who are Stephen Leaders?
Stephen Leaders are the pastors, church staff, and lay leaders who direct Stephen Ministry in their congregation. They receive their training at a one-week Leader's Training Course where they learn how to build support for Stephen Ministry; recruit, select, and train Stephen Ministers; find people in need of care and match them with Stephen Ministers; provide Stephen Ministers with regular supervision; and much more.

Who are Stephen Ministers?
Stephen Ministers are lay people who receive 50 hours of Christian caregiving training in the congregation. Stephen Ministers typically have one care receiver at a time and meet with that person once a week for about an hour. In addition, they gather with the Stephen Leaders twice a month for supervision and continuing education.

What types of situations are Stephen Ministers trained to handle?
Stephen Ministers give one-to-one Christian care to individuals who are facing a wide variety of crises or life challenges, including people who are grieving, divorced or separated, terminally ill, unemployed, hospitalized, homebound, lonely or discouraged, experiencing spiritual struggles, and more.

Are there times that a Stephen Minister should not be assigned?
Yes. Stephen Ministers work with individuals, not couples or families. In addition, Stephen Ministers are lay caregivers, not therapists or counselors, so they do not work in situations that require the skills of a helping professional. Part of their training is in recognizing when a person's needs exceed what is appropriate for Stephen Ministry and knowing when and how to refer those persons to a professional caregiver.

Home / About Us / Directions / Calendar / Announcements / Growing in Christ / Missions and Ministries / Stephen Ministry