Stephen Ministry

Lay Pastoral Care

Brochure (includes response form)

What is it?

The L.C.P.C. Stephen Ministry exists for the purpose of providing our congregation and community with a lay-pastoral care ministry. Called to bear one another’s burdens, this program is a means to equip lay people for ministry to others in times of crises. Possible situations in which a Stephen Minister might be called include: hospitalization, bereavement, new life stages, illness, disability, job crises, unemployment, separation, divorce, or special situations such as going overseas in wartime, imprisonment or related issues.

Stephen Ministry is based on a model of laity providing special skilled caring ministry for individuals at times of crises. The concept and training of Stephen Ministers was begun in 1975 by Kenneth Haugk, Ph.D., a pastor and psychologist, and has been adopted by more than 4,000 congregations. The name “Stephen Ministry” commemorates the special ministry of the Apostle Stephen (Acts 6 and 7). While the disciples were devoting their energies to spreading the gospel, Stephen was given the special task of caring for some of the more tangible, physical needs of those in the church.

How did it come into being?

The Congregational Care Committee of the Session, recognizing there was a gap between needs and resources for lay-pastoral care, appointed a task force to study this issue. The result was that Stephen Ministry, a structured program for training and support of lay-caring ministry, was found to meet the particular needs of LCPC. In June of 1991, one pastor and two lay people were sent to a Stephen Ministry leadership training course to lay the groundwork for the establishment of Stephen Ministry at LCPC.

Where does it “fit in” at LCPC?

Ministry at LCPC is comprised of four aspects: worshipping, equipping (training for ministry), healing (caring), and deployment (serving), and each member is considered as one of the ministers of the church. In order to carry out the mission of the church, it is necessary to care for the wounded and hurting who need healing. Stephen Ministry is one part of the church which functions as a healing community. It is important for the church to respond and “be present” with people during times of special need.

Stephen Ministry at LCPC is responsible to the Session through the Congregational Care Committee. It is similar to the Lay Counseling Ministry in the maintenance of strict confidentiality of the care-receivers, but it differs in methodology. Whereas Lay Counselors primarily meet at the church with their counselees often over a longer period of time, a Stephen Minister is trained for visitations to home and hospital, often for a shorter but more intense period of time. The skill and care the Stephen Minister provides may be able to go beyond the resources and training of an individual Deacon. As the needs of the congregation have exceeded the present resources of the Pastoral Staff, Deacons, and Lay Counseling Ministry, Stephen Ministry is a means to closing some of the gaps in resources in order to provide additional, special care in times of need. Stephen Ministry is seen as working alongside Pastors, Lay Counselors, Deacons and other concerned laity as an accompaniment to other healing resources.

Who are Stephen Ministers?

Stephen Ministers are members of the LCPC congregation who have completed training and have been commissioned to serve as Stephen Ministers. Their mission and aim is to provide a ministry of caring by meeting with the care-receiver during the time of need. Referrals to Stephen Ministers are evaluated to make sure that they are within the scope of lay pastoral care. Most frequently a Stephen Minister and his/her care-receiver meet on a weekly basis. Ongoing supervision and continuing education is mandatory for Stephen Ministers.

Who can become a Stephen Minister?

We are looking for Christians who: (1) are regular participants in the life of La Cañada Presbyterian church, (2) believe God has gifted them or, is calling them to a caring ministry, (3) are willing to participate in a minimum of 50 hours of training, and (4) would be willing to commit themselves to approximately five hours per week of involvement in this ministry including 2 hours per week of supervision and continuing education. The term of service of a Stephen Minister is two years, including training. On conclusion of service, a Stephen Minister may elect to continue service, or to move on to another area of ministry.

What is expected of a Stephen Minister?

It is expected that a Stephen Minister be a person with both sensitivity and integrity. In a small community, such as LCPC, it is mandatory that a prospective Stephen Minister understand, respect and keep confidentiality.

Regular participation in the training is required. Training sessions will be held for two and one-half hours on Thursday evenings for twenty weeks. In addition, team building activities, such as retreats, are planned on a quarterly or bi-annual basis. Participation in these additional events is also expected.
Following commissioning of the first class of Stephen Ministers, assignments to care receivers will be made. During the remainder of service, Stephen Ministers are required to participate in group supervisory sessions and continuing education.