Stephen Ministry

Upon completion of a 50-hour training course, laypeople are commissioned as Stephen Ministers. Stephen Leaders then link each Stephen Minister with a care receiver—a member of the congregation who is in need of quality Christian care. A Stephen Minister normally is assigned to only one care receiver at a time and meets with the care receiver for an average of about one hour each week. Stephen Ministers also meet twice monthly for peer supervision and continuing education. Stephen Ministers initially commit to two years of service, but after those years many recommit to serve additional years. For more information, contact the church office at (414) 228-5220 ext 104.

Important to Note

• Stephen Ministers are not counselors. They are trained Christian caregivers. Their role is to listen and care—not counsel or advise.
• Stephen Ministry is a supervised ministry. Stephen Ministers engage in twice-monthly supervision to ensure that they are providing the best-quality Christian care.
• Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry. What a care receiver tells a Stephen Minister remains confidential. Even in supervision, the names of care receivers and specific details are never discussed.
• Stephen Ministers do not make cold calls. They are assigned only to people who agree to receive the care of a Stephen Minister.