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The season of Advent tells a story that some people say is unbelievable: that a God we can’t see would be born as child…and that it would happen in a supernatural conception…and that this would take place in a stable filled with animals in a small town. Read More

Ministries

Stephen Ministry

The Stephen Ministry is a confidential, lay-caring ministry grounded in Jesus' command to love one another. Those who are hurting receive love and support through one-to-one caring relationships.  The ministry is named after Stephen, one of the first deacons in the early Christian church, commissioned by the apostles to care for the needs of people in the Christian community.

Is life more than you can handle alone right now?

  • Is your health, your attitude, or your relationships suffering?
  • Are you adjusting to a new job, change in marital status, a serious illness, the death of a loved one, or a recent move?
  • Would you like to have someone in your life that really cares?

Everyone goes through difficult times. Having someone to care, to listen, and to share God's love can help you get through the confusion, stress, or loneliness that you may be experiencing.

WHAT ARE THE NEEDS WITH WHICH STEPHEN MINISTRY CAN HELP

  • Illness
  • Family frustrations and challenges
  • Loneliness
  • Chronic illness
  • Families of the chronically ill
  • Loss of a loved one
  • Separation or divorce
  • Being shut-in
  • Having a newborn
  • A low self-esteem
  • Terminal illness
  • Loss of a job
  • Financial setbacks
  • Struggling with faith in God
  • Aging
  • Facing life changes
  • Retirement
  • Miscarriage and Infertility

HOW CAN I REFER SOMEONE TO STEPHEN MINISTRY?

  1. Identify someone who is hurting and in need of Christian care (you, a friend, or a relative).
  2. You, a friend, a relative, or a pastor contacts Stephen Ministry about this need with their permission.
  3. The Referral Coordinators will meet with this person to talk about Stephen Ministry.
  4. With their permission, the Referral Coordinators assign a Stephen Minister to meet on a weekly basis with the care receiver.
  5. The Stephen Minister provides distinctively Christian and strictly confidential care.

Just call the church office and ask for a Stephen Leader: 805-495-6215.  If the office is closed you may call 805-338-6496.
Our Stephen Ministers are ready to bring God’s love and care into your life.