What Is Stephen Ministry?
The mission of Stephen Ministries is to help congregations equip God's people for spiritual growth and Christ-centered, practical ministry in today's world. People sometimes experience challenges and trials which are not easily overcome alone. Stephen Ministers provide encouragement and support through the tough times in life.
The "Care Recipient" is matched with a "Stephen Minister" who can best relate to the issue being faced: grief, unemployment, loneliness, financial challenges, health concerns, family disputes or anything else that causes disturbances in life's smooth flow.
In 1975 Rev. Kenneth C. Haugk, Ph.D., a pastor and clinical psychologist, saw that people’s needs for care in his congregation and community far exceeded what he alone could provide. He developed materials to train others to provide quality, one-to-one Christian care to individuals experiencing a life crisis. Upon completion of their training, he commissioned them as “Stephen Ministers” and linked them with people with a variety of needs for care.
The program was so successful in his church that other congregations wanted to become involved. Dr. Haugk then founded the Stephen Ministries Organization and developed the Stephen Series, which consists of both Stephen Ministry (temporary help through a specific crisis) and ChristCare (an ongoing small group ministry and discipleship program).
09.03.2010
"You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." -- God (Mark 1:11)
