Stephen Ministry 

What is Stephen Ministry
Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2, NRSV).

Stephen Ministry offers a proven and effective way to organize, equip, and supervise a team of congregation members—called Stephen Ministers—to provide high-quality, one-to-one, Christ-centered care to people in the congregation and the community experiencing life difficulties.

Who’s Involved in Stephen Ministry?

Stephen Leaders are church staff, lay leaders, and pastors trained to provide ongoing leadership for their congregation’s Stephen Ministry. They are equipped for this key role through the Bridge Leader’s Training Course offered by Stephen Ministries St. Louis.

Stephen Ministers are congregation members trained by their Stephen Leaders to offer care to people who are hurting. A Stephen Minister typically has
one care receiver at a time and meets with that person once a week for about an hour.

Care Receivers are individuals in the congregation or community who are going through a crisis or life difficulty. Potential care receivers first meet with a pastor or Stephen Leader, who assesses their needs for care, and matches them with a Stephen Minister. The caring relationship lasts for as long as the need persists.

Stephen Minister Training

Stephen Minister training is an engaging, energizing experience that features a mixture of presentation, video, group discussion, skill practice, and spiritual growth activities. Since 1975, more than 600,000 Stephen Ministers have been equipped by this training to provide care to millions of people.

Stephen Minister training . . .

• teaches principles and skills that equip you to provide high-quality, Christ-centered emotional and spiritual care to others.
• gives you new insight into the thoughts, feelings, and actions of people who are hurting.
• equips you with relational and caring skills you can apply to all aspects of your life.
• helps deepen your faith as the Holy Spirit fashions you into a Christcentered caregiver.
• builds a special bond of Christian community and camaraderie among all those in your class.
• is highly interactive, engaging, and a lot of fun!

The Blessings of Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministry multiplies blessings throughout the church and community.

• Congregations carry out Christ’s commandment to “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12 RSV) in a powerful and practical way.
• Pastors have a team of gifted, trained, and committed lay caregivers ready to minister to hurting people,
• Laypeople nurture and use their gifts in meaningful ministry, growing spiritually as they serve others.
• People who are hurting have a caring Christian presence to provide emotional and spiritual support.

In short, Stephen Ministry helps carry out the mission of the church.

If you or a loved one are interested in finding out more about receiving care or becoming a Stephen Minister, please contact:

Laurie Hamilton, Director of Stephen Ministry
St. John’s Church and School
700 S. Franklin St. Denver, Colorado 80209
Main Office-303-733-3777
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.