Stephen Ministry is an international, non-denominational program begun in a Lutheran church in St. Louis in 1975. It is named after St. Stephen, who was commissioned by the apostles to care for others in his church. Today's Stephen Ministers provide ongoing, confidential support for persons experiencing crisis or transition. A Stephen Minister is not a therapist and accepting the gift of a Stephen Minister does not label one as a person "in need", but as a person who wishes to be listened to and nurtured by someone offering Christian support and care.

Christ Church has had Stephen Ministers since 1998, a group of dedicated people commissioned after the completion of 50 hours of training in important caring ministry skills and concepts. They meet regularly for support and supervision under the guidance of trained Stephen Leaders and to receive continuing eduaction and skill building.

Stephen Ministry is confidential ministry; those receiving care can be sure that their identity and what goes on in the caring relationship will remain private.

For more information about Stephen Ministry at Christ Church, please contact one of the ministers or the Stephen Ministry Coordinator at Christ Church, Joy Bland.

For more information about Stephen Ministries in general, please visit their website: www.StephenMinistries.org.