Seven Life-Changing Days Are in Store for You!

The purpose of a Stephen Series Leader’s Training Course (LTC) is to equip participants with the skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm to implement and maintain a successful Stephen Ministry on behalf of their congregation. (Read specific purpose and objectives for the LTC.) The LTC does that—and a whole lot more!

The LTC combines a number of different adult education methods—readings, lecture, video, small group discussion, question and answer sessions, and skill practicing—to make your conference experience both rewarding and enjoyable. Participants receive thorough grounding in the theory and practice of caring ministry and go home well equipped to direct Stephen Ministry in their congregations.

What Kind of People Attend an LTC?

Just as Jesus’ disciples came from all walks of life, so do Stephen Leaders: male and female, ranging in age from their early twenties to over eighty, representing dozens of Christian denominations from across the U.S., Canada, and beyond. About a quarter of them are pastors, and others are church staff. The vast majority, however, are laypeople. While many are retired, most are still employed. These include nurses, teachers, doctors, social workers, homemakers, farmers, truck drivers, college professors, psychologists, administrative assistants, accountants, executives, hairdressers, dentists, engineers, bankers, store clerks, lawyers, police officers, scientists, and more.

What is their common bond? A love for the Lord, a calling to leadership, and a commitment to bring Christ’s love to hurting people. Leader’s Training Courses are composed of some of the most congenial, committed, caring Christians that you will find anywhere.

The Surprise Benefits of Attending an LTC

The purpose of the LTC is to equip Stephen Leaders to direct Stephen Ministry in their own congregation. Over and over, Stephen Leaders report many additional benefits from attending an LTC. (Read what others are saying about their LTC experience.) Here are just a few:

• A spiritually renewing experience. Learning together with hundreds of Christians—focused on caring ministry and enveloped by the Holy Spirit—makes for a unique spiritual experience.

• Skills applicable to work. Whatever their profession, Stephen Leaders report that their learning from the LTC is directly applicable to their workplace as they become more caring and understanding communicators with colleagues, coworkers, and clients.

• Strengthening other ministries. Pastors and church staff find that they can use Stephen Series system tools and concepts to make other ministries in their churches more effective and enjoyable.

• Enhanced personal life. Stephen Leaders tell us that their LTC experiences, skills, and wisdom enrich their personal relationships.

• Lifelong friendships. Stephen Leaders often report that the friendships established during the week last for years.

• Renewed acquaintances. Some Stephen Leaders run into old friends, college or seminary classmates, or even long-lost relatives at the LTC. The Holy Spirit has a way of making people’s paths cross at an LTC.

• The experience of the full church coming together. One of the greatest thrills of an LTC is that hundreds of Christians from dozens of faith traditions come together for a week of learning, prayer, worship, meals, and fellowship—with a unified mission to bring Christ’s love to hurting people. One Stephen Leader said, “Now I’ve had a taste of what heaven will be like!”

You Can Feel Confident Serving as a Stephen Leader

You’ll receive the support you need to succeed in this ministry.

• You have the support of your pastors and congregation. They recognized that you have the gifts to serve in this capacity, and they carefully selected you for this role.

• You will be well trained. The LTC will provide the knowledge, skills, and training you need to succeed in this role. (Learn more about the LTC.)

• Your Leader’s Manual gives you all the tools you need. You will use many of these tools, resources, and documents throughout the LTC and leave thoroughly familiar with how to use them back home. (Learn more about the Leader’s Manual.)

• Stephen Ministries St. Louis will support you. Once you return from the LTC, you’re not on your own. You can call Stephen Ministries any time, and our consultation staff will answer your questions and help you find solutions to any challenges you face. We also have a special section of our website just for Stephen Leaders.

• The Holy Spirit is with you. God is your most important source of strength and support. Make prayer foundational to your Stephen Ministry, your service as a Stephen Leader, and everything you do. Ultimately this is God’s ministry, not ours. We simply are the hands and feet Jesus uses to carry it out. (Consider ways you can prepare spiritually for the LTC.)