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Stephen Ministry Basics

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Becoming a Stephen Leader:
A Meaningful Investment in Yourself and Others

Welcome!

You’re here because someone thinks you would make a great Stephen Leader. On this page, you’ll find information about what it means to serve as a Stephen Leader, an introduction to Stephen Leader training, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Who Are Stephen Leaders?

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Stephen Leaders are laypeople, church staff, and pastors of all ages and from diverse backgrounds who share a common passion: bringing Christ’s love and care to hurting people. They use their gifts of teaching, leadership, organization, and administration to help make Stephen Ministry happen.

Stephen Leaders recruit, train, lead, and support Stephen Ministers—lay caregivers who use their gifts of empathy, listening, mercy, and service to provide one-to-one, distinctively Christian care to people experiencing life difficulties. You do not need to be trained as a Stephen Minister to serve as a Stephen Leader.

The steps to becoming a Stephen Leader are to attend the Stephen Leader Training Course and then be commissioned by your congregation.

What Do Stephen Leaders Do?

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Stephen Leaders work as a team to implement Stephen Ministry by carrying out these tasks:

  • Planning and administering—overseeing and managing the system that will keep Stephen Ministry running smoothly and going strong in the congregation.

  • Publicizing, educating, and casting a vision for Stephen Ministry inside and outside the congregation.

  • Recruiting, selecting, and training Stephen Ministers—identifying and equipping congregation members to serve effectively as lay caregivers.

  • Identifying care receivers and matching them with Stephen Ministers for one-to-one caring relationships.

  • Coordinating Small Group Peer Supervision to ensure Stephen Ministers receive the ongoing support they need.

  • Leading continuing education to help Stephen Ministers keep honing their skills and growing as caregivers.

How Are Stephen Leaders Trained?

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Stephen Leaders are trained through the Stephen Leader Training Course.

The Stephen Leader Training Course (SLTC) is a live, interactive, online learning experience for equipping members of Stephen Ministry congregations to serve as Stephen Leaders.


For a detailed look at what the SLTC is like, visit stephenministries.org/SLTC.

Participating in the Stephen Leader Training Course will equip you to establish, maintain, and strengthen Stephen Ministry in your congregation. You will gain the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to establish, maintain, and grow your Stephen Ministry.

Skills are taught through a variety of teaching and learning methods—including presentation, group discussion, video, and skill practice activities—for an engaging, enjoyable and productive training experience.

You’ll also be introduced to the Stephen Ministry Leader’s Manual and learn how it will guide and support your ministry. This resource provides everything you’ll need to direct your Stephen Ministry.

What Stephen Leaders Are Saying about Their Training

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“The Stephen Leader Training Course is excellent: clear, well presented, and with good variety in the teaching techniques. The materials, video examples, and discussions all added to the quality of the whole. I can’t think of anything that could make it better!”

David Handley | Pastor | Chicago, Illinois



“The Stephen Leader Training Course is an exceptionally well-done program with an impressive standard of professionalism. The material is world class, each session ran smoothly, and everything was firmly based in our Christian faith. I’m excited to get started as a Stephen Leader!”

Bonny O’Mullane | Life Coach | Boonton, New Jersey



“The organization and presentation of the Stephen Leader Training Course is excellent, with all the key points well explained and paced. I’m really looking forward to joining the Stephen Leader team in my congregation. Thank you!”

John Woo | Retired | Oakland, California


“I went through Stephen Leader training twice—once ten years ago and again this year. Being trained again made me realize how many of the skills I’ve absorbed and naturally used over the years. Thank you, Stephen Ministry, for helping me transform the way I relate to others in every relationship.”

Irene Greer | Office Administrator | Lake County, British Columbia


“Being involved in Stephen Ministry has been a rewarding journey. We are doing Christ’s work, carrying a message to people that they matter. It’s just a tremendous experience. I’ve built a lot of buildings, but this is the most rewarding thing in my life.”

Bob Ferguson | Construction Executive | Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

What Do I Do Next?

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As you consider becoming a Stephen Leader, here are a few next steps:

  • Pray about Stephen Ministry in your congregation and the role God has for you.

  • Talk with your pastor and Stephen Leaders about whether being a Stephen Leader is the right fit for you and, if so, how to register for the SLTC.

  • Once your registration has been confirmed, you’ll receive a confirmation email with more details about preparing for your Stephen Leader training.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

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Who attends the SLTC?

Participants are laypeople, church staff, and pastors identified by congregational leadership and the congregation’s Stephen Leader Team as having potential as Stephen Leaders. They may or may not be trained Stephen Ministers. Each Bridge Leader’s Training Course draws people from the US, Canada, and beyond, from a wide range of congregations, organizations, and backgrounds.


Does the SLTC train people to be Stephen Ministers?

The SLTC does not train Stephen Ministers—rather, it trains Stephen Leaders, the ones who will lead Stephen Ministry in your congregation. Stephen Ministers are trained in their own congregations by those Stephen Leaders.


If I’m not a trained Stephen Minister, can I still attend the SLTC?

Yes. You don’t have to have received Stephen Minister training to be trained as a Stephen Leader; the two roles are very different and involve different gifts and skills. People who have no experience as Stephen Ministers often make excellent Stephen Leaders. Typically, more than half of participants in a given SLTC have not been trained as Stephen Ministers.


I’m a pastor. Would it benefit me to attend?

Without a doubt—you’ll learn how Stephen Ministry strengthens and extends your ministry, as well as how you can best work with the Stephen Leader Team and provide support, encouragement, and oversight.

Here’s what’s one pastor shared:

“I’m so glad my Stephen Leader Team recommended I be trained as a Stephen Leader myself! It’s helped me understand more fully how Stephen Ministry can support my efforts as a pastor and how I can support and encourage this ministry.”

Jason | Pastor | Los Angeles, California


Do I need to be a member of a congregation with Stephen Ministry to attend the SLTC?

Yes. SLTC participants need to be members or staff of a congregation enrolled in Stephen Ministry, and they must have authorization from their Stephen Leader Team, governing board, and pastors to attend.


Is it possible to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through the SLTC?

Many professional organizations grant CEUs for completing the SLTC. You’ll want to check with the appropriate organization for your profession to verify that they’ll award the CEUs for the training.



For More Information

If you’d like additional information about the SLTC or becoming a Stephen Leader, call Stephen Ministries St. Louis at (314) 428-2600 to speak to a member of our Stephen Leader Training Team.

Stephen Leaders play a vital part in ensuring that people who are suffering receive high-quality, distinctively Christian care. May God bless you as you prayerfully consider serving in this role.