Wilshire's Stephen Ministry equips lay people to provide confidential, Christian care to individuals who are experiencing difficulties in their lives.

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.

Stephen Ministers reach out with God's love to people who are hurting--both congregation members and nonmembers alike.

We all experience challenges in life--times when we could benefit from the support of a caring Christian friend. Stephen Ministers are ready to provide the emotional and spiritual care we need when faced with a crisis or difficulty, such as:

• loss of a loved one
• illness or hospitalization
• separation or divorce
• loneliness or discouragement
• spiritual crisis
• job crisis or unemployment
• incarceration
• aging
• birth, adoption, miscarriage, or infertility
• relocation
• recovery after an accident or disaster

A Stephen Minister is:

• a child of God who walks beside a person who is hurting
• a congregation member with gifts for caregiving, who was carefully selected to serve in this role
• a lay person who has received 50 hours of training in providing emotional and spiritual care
• a caring Christian friend who listens, cares, prays, supports, and encourages
• someone who will "be there" for his or her care receiver, meeting faithfully for about an hour each week, for as long as there's a need

Stephen Ministry is your ministry--you play an important role. Here's what you can do:

• pray for God to bring hope and healing through our Stephen Ministry
• accept care from a Stephen Minister during your time of need
• tell a friend, neighbor, coworker or relative about Stephen Ministry
• if you are a good listener and a compassionate person, prayerfully consider becoming a Stephen Minister

The identity of those receiving care and what takes place in each caring relationship remains private.

Stephen Ministries is a not-for-profit Christian educational organization based in St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 1975, Stephen Ministries provides training and resources to thousands of congregations and organizations worldwide.

For more info: Tiffany Wright, Minister of Care Ministries   214-452-3107