Stephen Ministry Info

“Pastors will always be on the front lines of care, especially during times of crisis.  But there are always many more needs for ongoing, one-to-one care than pastors can effectively meet by themselves.  Stephen Ministry provides a Biblical solution—equipping God’s people for ministry.  Gifted lay people are trained to support and extend the care that pastors continue to provide. . . (they) reach out with God’s love to people who are hurting—both congregation members and nonmembers alike.”* Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry.  The identity of the care receiver and what takes place in the caring relationship between the Stephen Minister and the care receiver remains private.

It is said that God is the cure-giver; Stephen Ministers are the care givers, as signified by our logo depicting a broken person coming through the cross and being made whole.

Our volunteers undertake a 50-hour training in subjects such as:  Listening, Confidentiality, Professionalism, and how to minister to those going through situations such as hospitalization, illness, grief, loneliness, divorce, aging, and spiritual crises.  Our training classes are usually scheduled over a three-month period and are offered every 18 to 24 months.  If you have questions about the training or are interested in taking the training, please contact Debbie Keith in the church office or email: PastoralAsst.NCCC@coxinet.net.

(*from Stephen Ministers Are Ready to Care, a publication of Stephen Ministries, St. Louis). 

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