Stephen Ministry...
God’s Love in Action!

There are times when each one of us experiences difficulties... loss of a loved one, serious illness, divorce, spiritual crisis, job loss, and many other challenges.  God never intended for us to go through these experiences alone.  That’s why God brings us together as a congregation – and why we have Stephen Ministry.

What is Stephen Ministry?

Begun in 1975 by a pastor in St. Louis, Stephen Ministry is a program for training and organizing laypeople to provide one-to-one Christian care to hurting people in and around the congregation.  The name Stephen comes from St. Stephen, who was the first layperson commissioned by the Apostles to provide caring ministry to those in need (Acts 6).  Over the last 35 years, Stephen Ministry has grown to include more than 11,000 congregations across the country and around the world, with more than 500,000 congregation members trained as Stephen Ministers. Since 1975 Stephen Ministers have provided distinctively Christian care to more than a million people in one-to-one Stephen Ministry caring relationships and have also used their caregiving skills to touch the lives of millions of others in informal ways.

Are you in need of care from a Stephen Minister?

Westminster currently has seven Stephen Minister who are active in caregiving to Westminster members and friends.  If you are enduring a hardship in life, such as the loss of a loved one, loss of a job, faith crisis, or other difficulty, and would appreciate a listening ear and a caring heart, please contact Westminster Stephen Ministry leaders Chris Butler, 284-5908, or Ken Arentson, 274-1534.

For many years, Westminster has had a Stephen Ministry program, and our Stephen Ministers have been quietly providing much-needed care and support to those facing life’s difficulties.  Periodically, Westminster offers training for individuals to become Stephen Ministers.  This 50-hour course provides in-depth instruction and insight for caregivers before each is commissioned and matched with a carereceiver.  For more information (without obligation), please contact Westminster Stephen Ministry leaders Chris Butler, 284-5908, or Ken Arentson, 274-1534.