Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Stephen Ministry Logo?
The Stephen Ministry logo shows two individuals, one behind a dominant cross who is broken, and one in front who has experienced Christ’s unconditional love and has been made whole. The cross in the logo reminds us that everything Stephen Ministers do is done in the name of Jesus.
Who started Stephen Ministries and why?
Dr. Kenneth Haugk, a pastor & clinical psychologist in St. Louis, Missouri founded
Stephen Ministries as a non-profit religious & educational organization in 1974. Fresh out of seminary, Haugk, quickly learned that the need for care far exceeded
that which he could provide. Ephesians 4:11-13 states: “His gifts were that some
s hould be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers,
for the equipment of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for building up the body
of Christ until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son
of God.” Haugk realized that God didn’t intend for pastors to monopolize ministry.
He recruited 9 lay people who had the gifts and heart to do caring ministry. He then
used his backgrounds in theology and psychology to develop a training program
in Christian caregiving.
Who was Stephen?
Stephen Ministers are named after St. Stephen, who was one of 7 individuals
commissioned by the Apostles to provide caring ministry. Acts 6:5-7 says,
“They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit and the word
of God increased.
Who is allowed to use the services?
This program is open to everyone in our church and community, and includes all denominations. Stephen Ministers work with individuals and not with couples or families.
What impact does Stephen Ministry have on the pastor?
Stephen Ministers do not replace the counseling that is available from the
Pastoral Staff. Our Stephen Ministers work together with our pastors to reach
more people with Christian care than pastors could reach alone.
Do I really need care?
Am I confused about events in my life? Do I feel like I have lost control of my life and my problems? Do I doubt God’s presence and love for me? Am I
hurting? Do my job worries seem too great to handle? Am I feeling lonely?
Do I often wish I had someone to share my thoughts with? Have there been
changes in my life that have affected my lifestyle? Am I having difficulty making
decisions and finding answers?
How can I arrange for the care of a Stephen Minister?
Call the Church Office at (337) 369-3721 and they will forward your name
and phone number to one of our Stephen Leaders.
What Does A Stephen Minister Do?
Stephen Ministers share God’s love by listening, encouraging, comforting, and praying with and for individuals facing a crisis or difficult time in their life. Stephen Ministers will visit once per week for about an hour for as long as the need exists. You will care for only one care receiver at a time. You are not expected to spend any money whatsoever on the care receiver. You are not responsible to personally provide any other services for a care receiver, such as, grocery shopping, or transportation to a doctor’s appointment.
Are Stephen Ministers Counselors?
Stephen Ministers are not professional counselors, therapists, psychologists, or social workers. They are caregivers and do not work in situations that require the skills of a trained professional. They are not experts in law, finance, or church doctrine, a household helper, a Biblical scholar or a “super” Christian.
What is a Stephen Leader?
Stephen Leader’s are trained individuals in our congregation who oversee
and direct our Stephen Ministry.
How can I become a Stephen Minister?
Please call the Church Office for more information. You will be required to fill out an application, be interviewed, and attend training classes. Are you a healing person? Do you care about others? We invite you to consider becoming a Stephen Minister to help those who are hurting to heal.
What will I gain from becoming a Stephen Minister?
The benefits of becoming involved with the Stephen Ministry include spiritual growth, the development of new skills, enhancement of your God given talents, self-confidence, and the satisfaction that comes from helping people.
How do I start a Stephen Ministry in my Church?
Contact the St. Louis Headquarters for Stephen Ministries for an informational packet at the address listed below or visit their official
web site at: http://www.stephenministries.org.
Stephen Ministries
2045 Innerbelt Business Center Drive
St. Louis, Missouri 63114-5765
Telephone: (314) 428-2600
