Stephen Ministry is for anyone who is going through a difficult time or needs someone to listen. Stephen Ministers are trained and ready to walk along side people who are struggling and need individualized care. Many of our Stephen Ministers are people who have experienced and overcome difficulties in their own lives and because of God's grace and the love of people, have experienced healing. These caring, trained ministers are called to serve others with the love of Jesus in times of need.
Become a Stephen Minister
Becoming a Stephen Minister at Riverview Community Church is a life-transforming experience—an opportunity to serve God, help others, and grow in faith. Here, you’ll learn more about what it means to become a Stephen Minister.
Who are Stephen Ministers?
Stephen Ministers are congregation members equipped and commissioned for caring ministry. They come from many different backgrounds, ages, and walks of life, but all have one important thing in common: a heart for bringing Christ’s healing love to hurting people. In short, Stephen Ministers are people like you - caring Christians who want to make a difference in the lives of those going through difficult times.
What Do Stephen Ministers Do?
A Stephen Minister walks alongside a hurting person to provide one-to-one, emotional and spiritual care - listening, empathizing, encouraging, helping process feelings, and connecting the person with God’s love. Serving in this role is an opportunity to put your spiritual gifts into action and touch people’s lives in powerful ways. Typically, a Stephen Minister meets with his or her care receiver in person, although some meet by phone or video chat.
Who do Stephen Ministers Care for?
Stephen Ministers provide care for care receivers, people in the congregation or community who are experiencing difficulties in life, such as grief, job loss, divorce, major illness, spiritual struggles, and so on. In the midst of challenging times, receiving care from a Stephen Minister can make a significant difference.
What Is Stephen Minister Training Like?
Stephen Minister training is an engaging, interactive experience that fully equips you to provide high-quality, Christ-centered care to people who are hurting. Your congregation’s Stephen Leaders will use presentations, discussions, readings, videos, skill practices, and spiritual growth activities to equip and empower you with practical caregiving and relational skills. In addition, the training provides many opportunities for building Christian community and experiencing personal and spiritual growth. Stephen Ministers often say that their training was life transforming - helping them to grow in faith and learn relationship principles and skills that deepened and enhanced all the relationships in their life.
Speak with a Stephen Minister
