STEPHEN MINISTRY
One-to-One Care
Stephen Ministry provides high-quality, one-to-one, Christ-centered care to people in our congregation and the community experiencing life difficulties.
Stephen Ministers are congregation members trained by Stephen Leaders, who provide emotional and spiritual support to people going through difficult times in life; i.e. grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, or relocation. Stephen Ministers come from all walks of life, but they all share a passion for bringing Christ’s love and care to people during a time of need.
Care Receivers are individuals in the congregation or community who are going through a crisis or life difficulty. They will meet with a Stephen Leader, who assesses their care needs and matches them with a Stephen Minister. The caring relationship lasts for as long as the need persists. If you are going through a difficult time and need the care of a Stephen Minister, please email [email protected]
FAQ's
About Stephen Ministry
For Care Receivers
For Potential Stephen Ministers
Process and Matching
Confidentiality and Trust
Duration and Frequency of Care
Volunteer Opportunities
Training and Support
Impact and Testimonials
Contact and Further Information
“My Stephen Minister continually pointed me back to God while I was going through a painful time in my life. I know others were praying, but there were times when I just needed immediate prayer and she was there to pray with me and for me. So very grateful for her and for those who serve in the Stephen Ministry.”
- Sheryl Murphy (Care Receiver)
Key Moments
The next training session to become a Stephen Minister will be January 2025!
Resources
Journeying through Grief is a set of four short books available to send to people at crucial times during the first year after the loss of a loved one. Each book focuses on what the person is likely to be experiencing at that point in grief - offering understanding, empathy, compassion, and hope. To request these books for yourself or a loved one, email [email protected]
“Life can be hard sometimes. It seems like every day I hear of someone I know who is facing a crisis in their life—health, financial, relational, or loss of a loved one. I’ve always had a desire to reach out but not knowing the best way to help would hold me back. Getting involved in Stephen Ministry has taught me that best way to help. Stephen Ministry is a caring ministry that gives people in crisis a safe place to talk through their situation and find a clear and God-centered path to get through it. Pointing people to God, the Cure Giver, helps them to come out of panic mode and restore their trust in the One who will never leave them. Being a part of this ministry and seeing God work in people’s lives is a humbling and rewarding experience. And being involved as a Stephen Leader has allowed me to witness even more the healing hand of God in the many caring relationships we’ve seen—both for the care receiver and the caregiver.”
- Richard Carlson (Stephen Leader)
Volunteer Opportunities
If you sense that God might be calling you to serve as a Stephen Minister, the first step is to find out more about getting involved by emailing [email protected]
Get Connected
For All Church:
My Church Center by Planning Center is the fastest way to get information about Woodcreek Church. This is church-wide and not just for Stephen Ministry.
Meet the Team
Stephen Leaders
Richard Carlson
Bill Mansfield
Ana Owen
Anton Schaeffer
Stephen Ministers
Frank Caliri
Ray Foley
Laurel Lancaster
Lylene Murrell
Dianna Seymour
Mark Seymour
John Simms
Erica Wells
Will Woodard
“Serving as a Stephen Minister at Woodcreek Church allows me to reflect God’s love and grace in a compassionate, faith-filled, skilled, and trustworthy manner. The skills acquired as a Stephen Minister can be used at home and throughout your community. Serving as a Leader to other Stephen Ministers is a privilege and honor, that helps me to lead as a witness for our Lord & Savior to others.”
- Bill Mansfield (Stephen Leader)