What is Stephen Ministry?

Stephen-Min-LogoThe Stephen Ministry provides confidential, one-to-one, distinctively Christian care to individuals who are currently experiencing life difficulties. Your confidentiality is held at all times. The identity of those receiving care and what takes place in each caring relationship remains private. Stephen Ministers are members of FBCgT who have been trained to be a listening ear and helpful guide through your dark times.

Do You Need Help?

We all experience challenges in life—times when we could benefit from the support of a caring Christian. Stephen Ministers are ready to provide the emotional and spiritual care you need when faced with a crisis or difficulty, such as:

  • Loss of a loved one
  • Hospitalization
  • Divorce or separation
  • Loneliness or discouragement
  • Spiritual crisis
  • Unemployment or a job crisis
  • Terminal or chronic illness
  • Incarceration
  • Aging and elderly
  • Birth, adoption, or infertility
  • Relocation
  • Life transitions
  • Recovery after an accident or disaster
  • Deployment of a loved one for military service

If I don’t need help now, how can I help?

  • Pray for God to bring hope and healing to hurting people through our Stephen Ministry.
  • Accept care from a Stephen Minister during your time of need. God doesn’t expect you to bear your burdens alone.
  • Tell a friend, neighbor, co-worker, or relative who is hurting about our Stephen Ministry.
  • If you are a good listener and a compassionate person, prayerfully consider becoming a Stephen Minister.

True Life Comments

“I had my breath completely knocked out of me when we received my 56-year old husband’s diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer’s. After taking care of legal matters and seeking support from a therapist as well as an Alzheimer’s support group, I still felt myself floundering and needing something. I knew I needed something, I just didn’t know what. After a series of ‘God things,’ a little angel appeared in my life in the form of a Stephen Minister.”

“Her unbiased listening ear absorbed so much of my pain and sorrow. Her solid shoulder of wisdom rephrased my thoughts in the kindest way. I knew I could (and can) call her anytime without worry or fear of judgment. I felt a comforting bond with her that I have never felt before. I was able to confide in her everything I was thinking, good or bad, and trusted her acceptance completely. As I am catching my breath and breathing better most of the time, I reflect on our relationship and find it difficult to put into words how she helped me. I just know her love of God came through to me and offered the peace I was so desperately seeking. I would recommend anyone needing that extra bit of help to seek a relationship with a Stephen Minister.”