Caring Congregation.

Q: What is Stephen Ministry? When and why was Stephen Ministry started?

A: It is a complete system of training, equipping, and supervising lay people to provide one-on-one Christian caregiving. It was founded in 1975 by Dr. Kenneth Haugk, a Lutheran Pastor and trained clinical psychologist. Dr. Haugk found several needs in his congregation. The church staff was overworked, members of his church and community needed quality care they were not receiving, and members of his congregation sought significant and meaningful ways to live out their Christian faith. Dr. Haugk began training members of his congregation to provide quality Christian care. He had requests from other churches to begin such programs and this started Stephen Ministry.

Q: How large is Stephen Ministry?

A: There are over 5,000 enrolled congregations throughout the world, representing over 75 different denominations.

Q: Who is helped by Stephen Ministry?

A: Everyone. Any member of the congregation or the community can receive care, including those who are hospitalized, new parents, in job transition, homebound, new to the church or community, grieving, lonely, inactive, or growing in their faith. Stephen Ministers are trained to be competent, confidential listeners and care givers. Pastors benefit from having an added resource as they provide care. The entire congregation grows as a more loving, nurturing, and caring community.

Q: How long is the Stephen Ministry training and what topics are covered?

A: The 50 hours of training covers topics including listening, feelings, crisis intervention, assertiveness, grief, depression, use of traditional Christian resources , supervision, telecare, prayer, and other topics. After the training, Stephen Ministers continue to participate in continuing education and supervision.

Q: Why would I want to have a Stephen Minister?

A: All of us go through times of growth and transition…sometimes easy and sometimes more difficult. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have someone to listen intently to you, who cares for you as Christ does, who is not rushed and with whom your conversation is confidential. Or to have someone to help you sort out ideas, feelings, or faith, who would listen and not judge, but care for you and share a hug or a prayer?

Salem Lutheran has 18 trained Stephen Ministers! Please call Pastor Dale Banke or Diane Haig, Referrals Coordinator, (818) 243-3193 with your questions or to be assigned a Stephen Minister.

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