Click here to visit the Stephen Ministries Organization's webpage.

Are you in need of prayer? Use the link below to submit a confidential request to Pastor Maxine Smith-Pierce, our Pastor of Congregational Care.

» Prayer Request Form

Stephen Ministry

Mission

The mission of Stephen Ministry is to help congregations equip God's people for spiritual growth and Christ-centered, practical ministry in today's world.

Contact a Stephen Minister

Do you need someone to talk to; someone who will listen and keep your information condidential? If so, the person you're looking for is a Stephen Minister. Please call Pastor Maxine Smith-Pierce at 614.866-5864 (ext 125) or click here to email her. You may also call Brenda Waligura at 614.868.5090.

What is Stephen Ministry?

Stephen Ministry is a transdenominational, Christian education organization that provides high quality training and resources to strengthen and expand lay ministry

in congregations.

Who is a Stephen Minister?

A Stephen Minister is:

• A child of God who walks beside a person who is hurting
• A congregation member with the gifts for care giving, who was carefully selected to serve in this role.
• A lay person who has received 50 hours of training in providing emotional and spiritual care.
• A caring, Christian friend who listens, cares, prays, supports, and encourages
• Someone who will "be there" for his or her care receiver, meeting faithfully for about an hour each week, for as long as there's a need. Top

Want to Become a Stephen Minister?

To learn more about becoming a Stephen Minister, call Pastor Maxine Smith-Pierce at 614.866.5864 (ext 125) or click here to email her. You may also call Brenda Waligura at 614.868.5090 to get more information. Top

History

In 1975 Rev. Kenneth C. Haugk, Ph.D., a pastor and clinical psychologist, saw that people’s needs for care in his congregation and community far exceeded what he alone could provide. He developed materials to train nine of his congregation members to provide quality, one-to-one Christian care to individuals experiencing a life crisis. Upon completion of their training, he commissioned them as “Stephen Ministers” and linked them with people with a variety of needs for care. “Stephen Ministry” was so successful in his church that other congregations wanted to become involved. Dr. Haugk then founded the Stephen Ministries organization and developed the Stephen Series, which now has been implemented in more than 9,000 congregations representing more than 100 Christian denominations. More than 450,000 laypersons have been trained as Stephen Ministers, who in turn have ministered to nearly a million care receivers. Top