Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministry is...
A program here at Central Prebyterian Church that equips lay people to provide distinctively Christian one-on-one care to those who are experiencing all kinds of life needs and circumstances both within our own congregation and in the community.

There are times when each of us needs the caring of another person; a Chrisitan friend, a Stephen Minister. Times of need may include but are not limited to any of these situations:

Hospitalization
Job Change or Loss
A New Baby
Moving
Separation or Divorce
Grieving the Loss of a Loved One
Care Giving for Elderly Parents
Depression
Struggles with Faith in God
Terminal Illness
Family Challenges
Stress
Chronic Illness
Facing Changes in Life

A Stephen Minister is a caring Christian friend who walks beside a hurting person. A Stephen Minister is also:

Trained in care-giving skills.
A good listener.
Trained in confidentiality.
Supervised for quality care.
Committed to visit another person regularly.

A Stephen Minister is not a counselor or therapist, a problem solver or a casual visitor.

Maybe a Stephen Minister can help...
Consider having a Stephen Minister walk with you or a friend through your difficult time. Contact one of the ministers or a Stephen Ministry Leader. When your name is received, it will be given to the Referrals Coordinator, Reverend John Illian, who will contact you directly. He will be glad to answer your questions and get approval from you for contact by a Stephen Minister.

"Encourage one another and build each other up." 1 Thessalonians 5:11