St. Mark's
A Stephen Ministry Congregation

Stephen Ministry Is . . . a program of our congregation that equips lay persons to provide distinctively Christian one-on-one care to those who are experiencing all kinds of life needs and circumstances, both in our congregation and community.

Stephen Ministers are committed Christian people who . . .

• express God's care through their lives to others;
• receive 50 hours of initial training in important caring ministry skills and concepts;
• are commissioned as Stephen Ministers after completing their initial training;
• visit another person regularly and dependably and offer Christian support an care;
• participate in regular support and supervision under the guidance of trained Stephen Leaders;
• are committed to preserving the confidential nature of the caring relationship;
• serve for at least two years;
• receive continuing education and skill building throughout their years of service.

Meets The Needs of People
There are times when each of us needs the care of another person, a Christian friend, a Stephen Minister! These needs include but are not limited to . . .

the hospitalized the terminally ill and their families people who move into or out of our community those grieving a death or serious loss the homebound and institutionalized prisoners, ex-offenders and their families those with a job crisis

the aging and elderly those with disabilities and their families those needing the support of a Christian friend those facing life transitions the separated or divorced households experiencing birth or adoption those in spiritual crisis

The Mission of Stephen Ministries is to proclaim through word and deed the Gospel of Jesus Christ by nurturing, edifying, educating, and equipping the whole people of God who are called, gifted, and sent to be more effective servants who care for the needs of the whole person.