• (314) 428-2600

How to Begin Stephen Ministry in Your Church



Step 1: Enroll Your Congregation (a One-Time Step)

Your Stephen Ministry begins when your congregation enrolls. Enrollment gives you access to training, resources, and ongoing support from the Stephen Ministries organization.

  • If you’d like information on how to enroll, or if you have any questions, call us at (314) 428-2600.



Step 2: Train Stephen Leaders through the Bridge Leader’s Training Course

The pastors and lay leaders who will lead your Stephen Ministry are trained through the Bridge Leader’s Training Course (BLTC). This live, interactive course will inspire and equip them to establish and lead your Stephen Ministry.



Step 3: Recruit and Train Stephen Ministers in the Congregation

After the BLTC, your Stephen Leaders recruit, select, and equip a team of lay caregivers to serve as Stephen Ministers.




Step 4: Match Stephen Ministers with People in Need of Care

Your Stephen Leaders match Stephen Ministers with people in need of care. Each Stephen Minister meets with his or her care receiver for about an hour a week to provide one-to-one Christ-centered care. Men are matched with men; women with women.



Step 5: Provide Support and Supervision for Stephen Ministers

Your Stephen Ministers meet twice monthly to receive the guidance, support, and encouragement they need to provide high-quality care. They also participate in continuing education to enhance their skills.





A Vibrant, Lasting Ministry!

Your congregation enrolls just once but continues to repeat steps 2 to 5—as your Stephen Ministry grows and becomes a vital, lasting ministry in your congregation.



Next Steps

For more information or to start the process of beginning Stephen Ministry in your church, give us a call. Our friendly, well-trained staff can answer any questions you may have, share additional resources, and send you a free packet of information about Stephen Ministry.

We’re available Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Central Time at (314) 428-2600.