Stephen Minister Training Resources

Familiar Resources Made Even Better

Since 1975, Stephen Minister training has been the premier curriculum for preparing laypeople to provide high-quality, Christ-centered care. Now, with Stephen Ministry 2020, the training experience has been enriched with new content, expanded use of skill practice and discussion, and even more opportunities for spiritual growth.

Reviewed and tested with over 800 Stephen Ministers and Stephen Leaders, these resources build on the strengths of the previous Stephen Minister training—making it better than ever.

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Stephen Minister Training Manual

As an essential part of Stephen Minister training since the beginning of Stephen Ministry, the 2020 edition of the Stephen Minister Training Manual features a number of key updates:

• Rewritten Pre-Class Readings with engaging, up-to-date content drawing on the latest research

• New appendices with valuable supplemental information and tools

• Outlines that seamlessly integrate with the new Leader’s Manual and Stephen Ministry Slide Presentations

• Access to enhanced online resources on the Stephen Minister Online Library

Here’s what some Stephen Ministers have been saying about the new Stephen Minister Training Manual:

“I was in the first Stephen Minister training class at my church years ago. Everything in that training was good, but this is even better—more thorough and more informative.”

Ed | Stephen Minister | North Carolina

“I really appreciate the new format of the material—it all flows so much better. There’s more detailed content, yet it’s easier to follow in the new style.”

Patti | Stephen Minister | California

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Essential Books for Stephen Minister Training

Along with the Stephen Minister Training Manual, the three books read during Stephen Minister training provide essential material for equipping trainees to provide excellent Christ-centered care.

Christian Caregiving—a Way of Life | Second Edition

The first major revision to this classic book since its publication, the second edition of Christian Caregiving—a Way of Life features the latest learning in the field of caregiving, in addition to new research by Stephen Ministries St. Louis

The book has been more tightly integrated into Stephen Minister training module 4, “Distinctively Christian Caring,” and is an essential component in the brand-new continuing education module 25, “Advanced Christian Caring.”

Click to read the new foreword by Joel P. Bretscher.

When and How to Use Mental Health Resources: A Stephen Ministry Guide | Second Edition

Now in its second edition, When and How to Use Mental Health Resources has been revised and updated to more thoroughly equip Stephen Ministers in the important area of mental health.

Incorporating current research from the field of mental health, the book also shares new insights from mental health professionals, Stephen Ministers, and Stephen Leaders. Plus, it presents a streamlined 5-step process for Stephen Ministers to follow when a care receiver needs to be referred to a mental health professional.

Click to read the new preface by Dr. Kenneth C. Haugk.

Speaking the Truth in Love: How to Be an Assertive Christian

The definitive resource on relating to others with Christian assertiveness, Speaking the Truth in Love continues to offer Stephen Ministers a strong foundation for relating in the most caring, respectful ways while maintaining boundaries in their ministry and relationships.

As part of Stephen Minister training module 6, “Assertiveness: Relating Gently and Firmly,” it’s a key part of preparing Stephen Ministers for their caregiving and participation in their Supervision Groups.

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Stephen Ministry Training Video Collection

Stephen Ministry 2020 introduces an all-new Stephen Ministry Training Video Collection. The collection now includes:

• Navigating Mental Health Issues in Stephen Ministry

• Stephen Ministry Supervision in Action

• A Closer Look at Stephen Ministry Supervision Skills

• Go—God Is with You! (2020 version)

The trailer below offers a preview of the new videos.

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Stephen Ministry Slide Presentations

Delivered on a Windows and MacOS compatible USB flash drive, the Stephen Ministry Slide Presentations are an attractive, easy-to-use way to engage Stephen Minister trainees and visually reinforce teaching content.

Slides are provided in both PDF and PowerPoint® formats.

“The updates have really enhanced the teaching experience! Using the new presentation slides is a breeze, and the well-laid-out instructions make sure everything is easy to follow so that we Stephen Leaders can make the training as good as possible.”

Shannon | Stephen Leader | Michigan