If You’re New to Stephen Ministry

If your congregation is new to Stephen Ministry, or if your congregation already has Stephen Ministry but you personally have little or no experience with it, we really encourage you to look through the information on the Leader’s Training Course Conference Preparation Pages.

While there is no need to be an expert on the Stephen Series prior to the LTC (we’ll help make you an expert while you are there), you will find it helpful to have a basic understanding of Stephen Ministry beforehand. You will then be able to build on that knowledge once you’re there.

Suggested Sequence of Pre-Conference Readings

You will find it extremely helpful to follow through on the pre-conference readings we have suggested on the page “How You Can Prepare to Get the Most Out of Your LTC.” (If your congregation has recently enrolled in the Stephen Series, note that one copy of each of the three books listed is in the Getting Started Kit that was sent to your congregation shortly after it enrolled.) If you think you will be unable to read all three books cover to cover, prioritize the readings in this order.

• Read the introduction and first two chapters of When and How to Use Mental Health Resources. You’ll then have a very good understanding of what a Stephen Minister is and isn’t and the kind of situations in which a Stephen Minister can appropriately provide care.

• Read or skim Christian Caregiving—a Way of Life for an excellent overview of the distinctively Christian approach of the Stephen Series. This best-selling book is enjoyable reading, and most people can read it cover to cover in a matter of hours. Once you’ve finished Christian Caregiving—a Way of Life, skim through the remainder of When and How to Use Mental Health Resources.

• Move on to Speaking the Truth in Love to gain some important insights into Christian assertiveness skills that you will use in all aspects of your life and ministry. Many Stephen Leaders have said that this book changed their life, improved their marriage, or made them a better boss, employee, friend, or parent.

• For practical information about how the Stephen Series works, read the Leader’s Manual document S(1) “Overview: The Stephen Series System” (in PDF format).

• For an understanding of Stephen Series terminology, look at the Leader’s Manual document S(2) “Glossary of Terms” (in PDF format).

A Realistic Timeline for Beginning Stephen Ministry

Pastors and Stephen Leaders at newly enrolled congregations are often very interested in a realistic timeframe for how soon their first Stephen Ministers will be able to provide care after enrollment or the LTC. Download “Stephen Series Implementation Timeline for Newly Enrolled Congregations” (in PDF format) for a general timeline. You’ll also find a copy of this document in your Getting Started Kit.

Yes, You Can Do This!

Remember too that more than 70,000 pastors, church staff, and laypeople—from a wide range of backgrounds—have been trained as Stephen Leaders and have done an excellent job of implementing the Stephen Series. Since 1975, more than 12,000 congregations from more than 170 denominations have used the Stephen Series to organize and equip laypeople to provide one-to-one Christian care. You can do it, too! Just follow the proven steps of the Stephen Series system and prayerfully rely on the Holy Spirit to guide and empower your ministry.

Ready to Help You

As a Stephen Leader, you’re not alone in your ministry. You have access to the help and support of the Stephen Series consultation staff. Call us any time you have questions before or after the LTC at (314) 428-2600 (Monday through Friday, 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. Central Time). We’re committed to helping your congregation succeed in Stephen Ministry so that more and more people experiencing a time of great need can receive Christ’s love and care through a Stephen Minister.