Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2

Stephen Ministries is a proven system for multiplying caring ministry. Kenneth Haugk, an ordained minister and clinical psychologist picked Stephen, the first laypersons set aside to do caring ministry in Acts 6:1-7, as an emblem for the lay caregiving program he started in 1975 to meet the needs of his own congregation. Stephen Ministries St. Louis is a not-for-profit, trans-denominational organization with its headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri.

Stephen Ministry is an intensive training program designed to equip lay women and men for distinctively Christian, one-on-one, caregiving.

Stephen Ministers participate in fifty hours of initial training, covering such skills as grief, compassion, confidentiality, listening, and faith. Stephen Ministers commit to a 2-year term of service, and participate in bi-monthly continuing education and supervision. Interested participants complete an application and interview process prior to training.

A Stephen minister is....
a child of God who walks beside a hurting person
a caring Christian friend who listens

A Stephen minister is NOT ...
a counselor or therapist
a problem solver
a casual guest

Stephen Ministers are available to provide both Maple Grove members and non-members the emotional and spiritual care needed when they are facing a crisis or difficulty, such as:

• Loss of a loved one
• Hospitalization
• Divorce or separation
• Loneliness or discouragement
• Spiritual crises
• Unemployment or job crisis
• Birth, adoption, miscarriage or infertility
• Relocation
• Incarceration
• Aging
• Chronic Illness
• Recovery after an accident or disaster
• And many more

If you would like to find out more about receiving the care of a Stephen Minister, or learn more about becoming a Stephen Minister, please contact Cathy Davis at 262-1163 or email cdavis@maplegroveumc.org.

"This is what love looks like: to help others; it has feet to hasten to the sick and needy; it has eyes to see suffering and want; and it has ears to hear to sighs and sorrows of men, women, and children."
St. Augustine

Stephen Ministry is Christ caring for people through people.