Stephen Ministry is . . .
a Christ-centered ministry of presence by lay persons in the
congregation. The confidential, one-to-one care is available to all in our
church home and in the community who are experiencing all of life's joys and
challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Background
NC4 started its current Stephen Ministry program in the fall of 2007. Stephen Ministers commit to serve for two years, and
then re-commit, as they feel called, on a yearly basis. Currently, NC4 has 4 active Stephen Ministers. Stephen Ministry is
an important way that NC4 extends pastoral care to members in need.
What is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry is a distinctly Christian, one-on-one, confidential, care-giving ministry administered by trained Stephen
Ministers. Stephen Ministry helps to further extend the care of Christ to all those in need. Stephen Ministry started in 1975,
when Dr. Kenneth Haugk, a pastor and clinical psychologist, began to multiply the caregiving in his congregation in St.
Louis, MO. It now serves several thousand congregations all over the world! "Stephen Ministry is Christ caring for people
through people."
Who can be helped by this ministry?
Any member of the congregation who is going through a difficult or challenging time in their life. Stephen Ministers can
help members ("care receivers") through emotional and spiritual challenges associated with periods of unemployment,
divorce, grief, illness, hospitalization, death, financial burdens, family burdens, relationship problems, spiritual crises, etc.
Stephen Ministry is not indicated for persons experiencing severe depression, suicidal tendencies or other mental illness or
addictions that would require professional help, although Stephen Ministry care can augment professional care when
appropriate. Stephen Ministers are not counselors.
Where and when does this ministry happen?
Individual Stephen Ministers and the care receivers decide mutually on the best place to meet, usually once a week.
What are Stephen Ministers?
Stephen Minister are committed Christians who receive extensive training in caregiving skills, visit a care receiver regularly,
are committed to confidentiality, listen to concerns, and pray. Stephen Ministers are also required to participate in ongoing
education and peer supervision for the entire time they are Stephen Ministers.
Is Stephen Ministry confidential?
YES! Trust is essential to a caring relationship. Confidentiality is one of the most important principles of Stephen Ministry.
Anything that a care receiver tells to his or her Stephen Minster is kept in strictest confidence.
Where did the name Stephen come from?
The name Stephen comes from St. Stephen, who was the first lay person commissioned by the apostles to provide caring
ministry to those in need as recorded in Acts 6.
What is the pastor's role?
Pastors will always be the primary caregivers, but there is no way pastors can meet all the needs for care. God has called all
of us, not just pastors, to minister to one another.
How can someone receive care from a Stephen Minister?
Rev. Cheryl Tatham coordinates referrals. If you or someone you know could benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister, you
should contact Cheryl by email or at the church 301-654-3631. Any Stephen Minister would be able to fully explain the
referral process. It is important to remember that you cannot refer another person until you have their permission! The best
thing to do is to encourage the person in need to reach out directly to the Stephen Ministry team.
How can someone become a Stephen Minister?
Talk to one of our Stephen Ministers to find out more about it! If you are still interested contact Cheryl Tatham. She will
place your name on an "interest list" to receive an application.
a Christ-centered ministry of presence by lay persons in the
congregation. The confidential, one-to-one care is available to all in our
church home and in the community who are experiencing all of life's joys and
challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Background
NC4 started its current Stephen Ministry program in the fall of 2007. Stephen Ministers commit to serve for two years, and
then re-commit, as they feel called, on a yearly basis. Currently, NC4 has 4 active Stephen Ministers. Stephen Ministry is
an important way that NC4 extends pastoral care to members in need.
What is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry is a distinctly Christian, one-on-one, confidential, care-giving ministry administered by trained Stephen
Ministers. Stephen Ministry helps to further extend the care of Christ to all those in need. Stephen Ministry started in 1975,
when Dr. Kenneth Haugk, a pastor and clinical psychologist, began to multiply the caregiving in his congregation in St.
Louis, MO. It now serves several thousand congregations all over the world! "Stephen Ministry is Christ caring for people
through people."
Who can be helped by this ministry?
Any member of the congregation who is going through a difficult or challenging time in their life. Stephen Ministers can
help members ("care receivers") through emotional and spiritual challenges associated with periods of unemployment,
divorce, grief, illness, hospitalization, death, financial burdens, family burdens, relationship problems, spiritual crises, etc.
Stephen Ministry is not indicated for persons experiencing severe depression, suicidal tendencies or other mental illness or
addictions that would require professional help, although Stephen Ministry care can augment professional care when
appropriate. Stephen Ministers are not counselors.
Where and when does this ministry happen?
Individual Stephen Ministers and the care receivers decide mutually on the best place to meet, usually once a week.
What are Stephen Ministers?
Stephen Minister are committed Christians who receive extensive training in caregiving skills, visit a care receiver regularly,
are committed to confidentiality, listen to concerns, and pray. Stephen Ministers are also required to participate in ongoing
education and peer supervision for the entire time they are Stephen Ministers.
Is Stephen Ministry confidential?
YES! Trust is essential to a caring relationship. Confidentiality is one of the most important principles of Stephen Ministry.
Anything that a care receiver tells to his or her Stephen Minster is kept in strictest confidence.
Where did the name Stephen come from?
The name Stephen comes from St. Stephen, who was the first lay person commissioned by the apostles to provide caring
ministry to those in need as recorded in Acts 6.
What is the pastor's role?
Pastors will always be the primary caregivers, but there is no way pastors can meet all the needs for care. God has called all
of us, not just pastors, to minister to one another.
How can someone receive care from a Stephen Minister?
Rev. Cheryl Tatham coordinates referrals. If you or someone you know could benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister, you
should contact Cheryl by email or at the church 301-654-3631. Any Stephen Minister would be able to fully explain the
referral process. It is important to remember that you cannot refer another person until you have their permission! The best
thing to do is to encourage the person in need to reach out directly to the Stephen Ministry team.
How can someone become a Stephen Minister?
Talk to one of our Stephen Ministers to find out more about it! If you are still interested contact Cheryl Tatham. She will
place your name on an "interest list" to receive an application.
