FPC Sanford Stephen Ministry

The Stephen Ministry is a Christ-centered ministry that equips lay people to provide distinctively Christian one-to-one care to those in our church and community who are experiencing a time of need or challenge. We all experience challenges in life - times when we could benefit from the support of a caring Christian friend. Stephen Ministers are ready to provide the emotional and spiritual care we need when faced with a crisis or difficulty, such as - Loss of loved one, Hospitalization, Divorce or separation, Loneliness or discouragement, Spiritual crises, Unemployment or a job crises, Terminal illness, Incarceration, Aging, Birth, adoption, miscarriage or infertility, Chronic illness, Relocation, Recovery after an accident or disaster, And many more.

A Stephen Minister is:
      -Beside a person who is hurting.
      -A congregation member with gifts for care giving, who was carefully selected to serve in this role.
      -A lay person who has received 50 hours of training in providing emotional and spiritual care.
      -A caring, Christian friend, who listens, cares, prays, supports, and encourages.
      -Someone who will ‘be there’ for his or her care receiver, meeting faithfully for about an hour each week, for as long as there is a need.
      -A trustworthy confident who will keep everything you say - and even your identity - confidential.