Stephen Ministry
The Stephen Ministry program is a confidential, distinctively Christian caring ministry. Stephen Ministers are lay people who receive extensive training to deliver Christ-centered, one-to-one caring to our members and those in need in the Tri-Valley. Stephen Ministers help those facing challenges such as bereavement, hospitalization, terminal illness, separation, divorce, unemployment, relocation, or any other crisis or life challenge.
The Stephen Ministry program coordinates with our pastors to provide care for as long as people need it. If you feel that the Stephen Ministry program might help you, or If you know that a friend would benefit from Stephen Ministry (even if they are not a member of our congregation) tell them about the ministry and have them call the church office.
This ministry was developed by a non-profit, religious and educational organization based in St. Louis, Missouri, and was brought to Lynnewood in 2007. It is currently an international organization serving 13,000 congregations from more than 170 Christian denominations in 31 countries. More than 600,000 laypersons have been trained as Stephen Ministers.
Meet Our Ministers
Lisa Sogo
I love the way Stephen Ministry teaches me to be a caring presence to someone who is hurting, to walk with that person, and to trust that God is walking with us, bringing the gift of healing in time.
Mario Roeschke
Stephen Ministry allows me to walk alongside someone to bring the Father’s love and Christ’s care to people during a time of need. “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up….” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Joan Nibert
As a Stephen Minister I am honored to walk side-by-side with a care receiver in compassionate Christian love, serving as her spiritual cheerleader. Together we acknowledge and trust God’s role as the cure-giver.
Lou Rivara
Stephen Ministry means growth, life and faith to me. It offers a way to be the personal presence of Christ to those I work with during their challenging times. It isn’t always clear at the time, but looking back, I now can see Christ is there for us every step of the way.
Judy Kuftin
Becoming a Stephen Minister has affected my daily life in remarkably wonderful ways. I know that Christian caregiving has given me the most personally rewarding experiences I have ever known. Try it! You might be SO pleasantly surprised!
Linda Van Pelt
Becoming a Stephen Minister provided me with a firm direction in my spiritual life. It has been a profound and life changing experience in my faith journey.
Steve Kirch
Becoming a Stephen Minister has allowed me to “Let go and let God.” We are trained as care-givers, but reminded that God is the “cure-giver.”
Debbie Roadarmel
Being a Stephen Minister allows me to be the eyes, ears, hands and heart of Jesus for someone who is in pain and distress. My fellow Stephen Ministers are a loving, supportive small group who also deepen my faith.
Lorna Kruse
I am drawn to Stephen Ministry’s goal is to provide Christian care and support to a care receiver experiencing life difficulties. It is meaningful to me to be able to listen and help my care receivers experience the presence of God in their lives.
Donna Gordon
It was a surprise to me that the “Gift” I didn’t know I had would be to serve those who are hurting. While Our Lord cures, serving Him by caring for others as a Stephen Minister fills my heart.
Teresa DeHope
I became a Stephen minister because I was intrigued by the concept of being
an “after.” After a care receiver has exhausted the patience of family and friends, a
Stephen Minister walks beside them by having a fresh set of ears and compassion.
Susan Gillaspy
I was looking for a deeper, meaningful way to serve God and I found it by becoming a Stephen Minister. I get to live out Galatians 6:2 “Carry each other’s burdens and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”