Rev. Kenneth C. Haugk, Ph.D.
A pastor and clinical psychologist, Dr. Kenneth C. Haugk has counseled and cared for many people in crisis. Recognizing the need to “equip the saints for the work of ministry” (Ephesians 4:12) to expand that care beyond what anyone can do alone, he developed the Stephen Ministry system of lay caring ministry, which has reached over 14,000 congregations worldwide. As the founder and Executive Director of Stephen Ministries St. Louis, he has devoted his professional life to helping congregations train their members to minister to those who are struggling with a wide range of life difficulties.
His ministry took on deeper significance as he dealt with the death of his wife, Joan, in early 2002 from ovarian cancer. In writing Journeying through Grief and Don’t Sing Songs to a Heavy Heart, Dr. Haugk drew from his professional work, his own experience of grief, and what he has learned from others experiencing suffering in their lives.
In 2003, he received the National Samaritan Award from the Samaritan Institute for the significant contributions he has made to the field of caring ministry.
His newest book, The Gift of Empathy—coauthored with Joel Bretscher, Stephen Ministries’ Program Director—offers a fresh approach to the familiar topic of empathy, providing practical insights and real-life examples that equip readers to better understand, connect with, and care for others.
Dr. Haugk is a nationally known speaker and educator, as well as the author of numerous books and resources, including:
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Cancer—Now What? Taking Action, Finding Hope, and Navigating the Journey Ahead
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Don’t Sing Songs to a Heavy Heart: How to Relate to Those Who Are Suffering
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The Gift of Empathy: Helping Others Feel Valued, Cared for, and Understood
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Antagonists in the Church: How to Identify and Deal with Destructive Conflict
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Discovering God’s Vision for Your Life: You and Your Spiritual Gifts
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Reopening the Back Door: Answers to Questions about Ministering to Inactive Members
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The Quest for Quality Caring: Improve Your Ability to Relate to Others
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When and How to Use Mental Health Resources: A Stephen Ministry Guide
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Leader Killers: How to Deal with Antagonists in Your Organization
2045 Innerbelt Business Center Drive
St. Louis, Missouri 63114
Phone: (314) 428-2600
Fax: (314) 428-7888
Stephen Ministries is a not-for-profit Christian education organization founded in 1975 that produces training and resources known for their excellence, practicality, psychological integrity, and theological depth. These resources cover topics such as caring ministry, assertive relating, spiritual gifts discovery, grief support, spiritual growth, and more.
Congregations and other organizations use these resources to strengthen and expand ministry. Individuals use them to improve their ability to relate to and care for others, grow in faith, and journey through life crises. Our 30-person staff is based in St. Louis, Missouri.