Stephen Ministry

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

FAPC started its current Stephen Ministry program in the fall of 2000, though the preparation began long before that! The first trained class of 22 Stephen Ministers was commissioned in June, 2001; a second class of 14 was commissioned in November, 2002; a third class of 12 was commissioned in the summer of 2005; and fourth class of eight was commissioned in February 2007. Stephen Ministers commit to serve for two years, and then re-commit, as they feel called, on a yearly basis. Currently, FAPC has 19 active Stephen Ministers. Stephen Ministry is an important way that FAPC 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. Members of our congregation who are trained to be Stephen Leaders, including Rev. Kate Dunn and Church Social Worker, Emily Dunlap, coordinate the program. This program is important to our congregation, which is large and growing. 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. Stephen Ministry training takes place at FAPC. Stephen Leaders attend an off-site, weeklong training and program.

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.

What are Stephen Leaders?

They oversee and direct our Stephen Ministry. They recruit, train, organize and supervise Stephen Ministers. FAPC has two Staff Leaders (Rev. Kate Dunn and Church Social Worker, Emily Dunlap). In addition, there are four lay Stephen Leaders who handle administration, training, referrals, and awareness building.

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. Kate Dunn is our pastor that coordinates referrals. If you or someone you know could benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister, you should contact Kate Dunn at the church 212.247.0490. 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 Kate Dunn. She will place your name on an "interest list" to receive an application.

Available through Stephen Ministry:

A time for prayer: there will be someone available for confidential prayer after the 9:30 am service and after the 11:15 am service.

Pre-printed prayer cards for various situations, with Biblical references, are available for your own use or to share with a friend.