Christ caring for people through people at St. Martin in the Fields Episcopal Church

What is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry provides lay pastoral care to people who need a listening ear to help them through the difficult times in life.  Stephen Ministers are trained laypersons who listen in a sensitive, non-judgmental way through a caring, supportive, and confidential relationship.  A Stephen Minister is not a counselor or a therapist, a problem-solver or a casual visitor.  A Stephen Minister is a companion during the difficult times of life. To learn more about Stephen ministry, visit the main website by clicking here.

Connect with a Stephen Minister
Please call a member of St. Martin’s clergy to get connected.

Stephen Ministry
When a crisis comes into our lives, it is helpful to have friends who care. Sometimes a person from within our faith community can help in ways that truly make a difference.

Stephen Ministers at St. Martin’s are lay persons who have completed a formal training program that, coupled with their experience and a two year minimum commitment, prepares them to listen and comfort fellow Christians in times of need. They will do this in a sensitive, non-judgmental way that is loving, supportive, and completely confidential.

Stephen Ministers complement the primary role of the Clergy.  They are available as a helper (not a rescuer), a listener (not an advisor), a friend (not a counselor).  They are caregivers, but always remember that God is the curegiver!

“…and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit…” - Acts 6:5

A Stephen Minister is…
A member of St. Martin’s who is committed to strengthening our Christian community.

A caring Christian friend who will listen without judging.

A layperson who has successfully completed training and is certified to provide distinct Christian care.

Who are helped by Stephen Ministers?

• People who are hospitalized
• The grieving
• Those suffering loneliness
• The divorced or separated
• Those who are dying – and their family and friends
• Those who are unemployed
• The homebound
  
• New parents
• Those in spiritual crisis
• Victims of accidents

The list goes on and on…

How can I request a Stephen Minister?
You may request a Stephen Minister for yourself, a relative, or friend – however, a Stephen Minister will only be assigned with permission of the care receiver. 

Often referrals come after the person in crisis has met with a member of the Clergy who may suggest this additional source of help.  The Stephen Minister’s purpose is always in a supportive role to the Clergy – not to replace them.

If you wish, you may directly contact the Stephen Ministry.  Once the potential care receiver has requested or given permission for direct contact, a Stephen Leader will contact the person and then assign a Stephen Minister.

A crucial aspect of this ministry is STRICT CONFIDENTAILITY.  Also, only men are assigned to men, and women to women.

Our Scriptural Inspiration
Inspiration and guidance for the Stephen Ministry comes from St. Stephen who, in the early years church, was charged by church leaders to minister to the needs of the congregation.  There are many scriptural passages that charge us today with this duty.

“Beloved, since God loves us so much, we also ought to love one another… If we love one another, God lives within us, and His love is perfected in us.”
-1 John 4:11-12