Become a Stephen Minister
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
What is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry is an arm of Discovery Church’s pastoral care that reaches out to comfort people facing life issues. It is Jesus helping people through people, through weekly one on one confidential, non-judgmental meetings to work through the crisis and/or grief in the effort to bring wholeness.
Who are Stephen Ministers?
Stephen Ministers are ordinary, non-professional people who have completed 50 hours of training to provide a confidential and non-judgmental environment where one can unburden themselves to an empathetic ear. They are trained not to “fix it” but to offer prayer, redirection to the Lord, a strong listening ear and support through the days after trials and/or loss.
What Does It Take to Become a Stephen Minister?
The 50 hours of training is offered over a three-month period in the Fall and early Spring. Ministers are expected to commit to one-hour meetings weekly once deployed to a Care Receiver; a monthly Supervision meeting with other ministers, and up to 3 quarterly gatherings for Continuing Education and Fellowship.
What is the Impact of Being a Stephen Minister?
Over the years, well over 1.5 million people have benefited from the one-to-one, Christ-centered care of a Stephen Minister. This care is entirely confidential—no one knows the identity of a care receiver except for his or her Stephen Minister and the pastor or Stephen Leader who paired the two together. The care receivers featured here stepped forward willingly to share their stories.
What are Some Next Steps to Become a Stephen Minister?
If you would like to help someone go through a tough season in their life as a Stephen Minister then your next step is to attend the Stephen Ministry Orientation held two times per year. If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, fill out the volunteer application. For more information, email Mike Schirle, our Renewal Care Pastor, at mikeschirle@discoverychurch.org.
Think this might be the next step for you?
Have a Growth Talk conversation about it! A Growth Talk is a chance to discuss with someone else the step you are preparing to take. For more information on Growth Talk and for help finding the right person visit the Growth Talk Page. You can use the “Growth Talk” button to visit the page and begin the conversation.
