Stephen Leader Resources

New Tools for Effective Ministry

Stephen Ministries offers a wealth of new and updated resources for Stephen Leaders. Preserving the familiar structure of the Stephen Ministry System while introducing powerful new leadership tools, these resources help Stephen Leaders build and maintain an effective, life-changing Stephen Ministry in your congregation—now and into the future.

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Introducing the New Stephen Ministry Leader’s Manual

The newest edition of the Stephen Ministry Leader’s Manual gives Stephen Leaders everything they need to implement and lead your congregation’s Stephen Ministry and provide the best care possible to people who are hurting.

Here are some of the highlights:

• A streamlined manual structure designed for increased ease of use

• Revamped, modernized presentations for Stephen Minister training

• New resources with guidance on important subjects such as mental health, Stephen Ministry as outreach, encouraging the spiritual growth of Stephen Ministers, and more

• The Stephen Leader Online Toolkit—an expanded, regularly updated online component with even more resources

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Unmatched Leadership Resources

The resources in the new Leader’s Manual offer thorough, focused information on key Stephen Ministry topics, along with practical tips, ready-to-use ideas, and valuable tools for making ministry happen. Some resources have been revised and rewritten, while others are completely new

Here’s a sampling of the many new items you’ll find:

• A Concise Introduction to Stephen Ministry for Pastors and Church Staff—Stephen Leaders can give this self-contained, easy-to-read booklet to pastors to equip them with foundational knowledge about Stephen Ministry and how best to support it.

• Encouraging Spiritual Growth of Stephen Ministers—This resource is devoted to helping Stephen Leaders help their Stephen Ministers grow spiritually as they care for others.

• Ten Ideas for Creating a Climate of Receptivity in Your Congregation—Designed to help with referrals, this resource shares ten practical ways to develop a congregational culture of openness to receiving care from a Stephen Minister.

• A Stephen Leader’s Guide to Making Mental Health Referrals—Provides Stephen Leaders with guidance for handling mental health issues that may arise in Stephen Ministry, including recognizing signs that a care receiver needs a referral to a mental health professional.

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Enhanced Training Resources

The latest edition of the Leader’s Manual also includes revamped, modernized Stephen Minister training presentations. The training presentations feature a number of improvements, as shown below.

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Here’s what people are saying about the updated Stephen Minister training:

“The new module on texting, email, and other communication technologies is so beneficial for Stephen Ministers. I think it’s an eye-opener for all Stephen Ministers—even those who have already been trained!”

Dawn | Stephen Leader | Texas

“Hands down the best training experience I’ve had in learning to serve the needs of others. It helps you take caregiving from concept to reality, and builds your confidence so that you’re ready to serve.”

Mark | Stephen Minister | Florida

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The Updated Stephen Ministry System

Another exciting feature of the new Leader’s Manual is the introduction of the updated Stephen Ministry System.

The updated system preserves the proven framework of Stephen Ministry and adapts it into a new, streamlined approach, illustrated to the right.

With these improvements, it’s even easier for Stephen Leaders to focus on the most essential tasks, helping them provide the best possible leadership for your Stephen Ministry.

The Bridge Leader’s Training Course (BLTC) has been structured around this updated system to even more effectively equip Stephen Leaders to implement and maintain Stephen Ministry in their congregations.

Preview a sample of the BLTC schedule here.

“It’s hard to imagine that the time-tested Stephen Ministry system could get even better—but it has!”

Dave | Stephen Leader | Massachusetts

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Supervision Group Facilitator Manual

Both the Supervision Group Facilitator Manual and the training for Supervision Group Facilitators has been completely redone, with an all-new Pre-Class Reading and teaching presentation. The training also incorporates two videos from the new Stephen Ministry Training Video Collection.

Additionally, the Supervision Group Facilitator Manual contains updated tools for facilitators to use before, during, and after their supervision meetings to ensure Stephen Ministers continue to get the support and guidance they need.

Focus Question Sets

The Focus Question Sets booklet features a number of improvements to make it an even more effective resource. In addition to the changes shown below, the sets also include a new section about when to use each set of questions.

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“The new questions are a fantastic tool for helping our group dig into what’s important in our caring relationships, and they help us work the process of supervision rather than getting sidetracked by pushing for results!”

Shawn | Stephen Minister | Alabama

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The Stephen Leader Online Toolkit

The updated Leader’s Manual features a new online component—the Stephen Leader Online Toolkit.

Along with hosting downloadable versions of tools that were previously part of the Leader’s Manual, it contains a variety of other resources and is periodically updated with additional content from Stephen Ministries St. Louis.

The Stephen Leader Online Toolkit parallels the structure of the Resource Folders in the Leader’s Manual for ease of use. Inside, Stephen Leaders will find:

• Tools used with each part of the updated system

• Downloadable forms

• Articles about Stephen Ministry

• Publicity ideas

• Additional continuing education resources

• Resources for spiritual growth

• And much more!

Access to the Stephen Leader Online Toolkit is included with every copy of the new Leader’s Manual.