How to Begin Stephen Ministry in Your Church
Step 1: Enroll Your Congregation (a One-Time Step)
Your Stephen Ministry begins when your congregation enrolls. Enrollment gives you access to training, resources, and ongoing support from the Stephen Ministries organization.
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If you’d like information on how to enroll, or if you have any questions, call us at (314) 428-2600.
Step 2: Train Stephen Leaders through the Bridge Leader’s Training Course
The pastors and lay leaders who will lead your Stephen Ministry are trained through the Bridge Leader’s Training Course (BLTC). This live, interactive course will inspire and equip them to establish and lead your Stephen Ministry.
Step 3: Recruit and Train Stephen Ministers in the Congregation
After the BLTC, your Stephen Leaders recruit, select, and equip a team of lay caregivers to serve as Stephen Ministers.
Step 4: Match Stephen Ministers with People in Need of Care
Your Stephen Leaders match Stephen Ministers with people in need of care. Each Stephen Minister meets with his or her care receiver for about an hour a week to provide one-to-one Christ-centered care. Men are matched with men; women with women.
Step 5: Provide Support and Supervision for Stephen Ministers
Your Stephen Ministers meet twice monthly to receive the guidance, support, and encouragement they need to provide high-quality care. They also participate in continuing education to enhance their skills.
A Vibrant, Lasting Ministry!
Your congregation enrolls just once but continues to repeat steps 2 to 5—as your Stephen Ministry grows and becomes a vital, lasting ministry in your congregation.
Next Steps
For more information or to start the process of beginning Stephen Ministry in your church, give us a call. Our friendly, well-trained staff can answer any questions you may have, share additional resources, and send you a free packet of information about Stephen Ministry.
We’re available Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M. Central Time at (314) 428-2600.
2045 Innerbelt Business Center Drive
St. Louis, Missouri 63114
Phone: (314) 428-2600
Fax: (314) 428-7888
Stephen Ministries is a not-for-profit Christian education organization founded in 1975 that produces training and resources known for their excellence, practicality, psychological integrity, and theological depth. These resources cover topics such as caring ministry, assertive relating, spiritual gifts discovery, grief support, spiritual growth, and more.
Congregations and other organizations use these resources to strengthen and expand ministry. Individuals use them to improve their ability to relate to and care for others, grow in faith, and journey through life crises. Our 40-person staff is based in St. Louis, Missouri.