Stephen Ministry at St. Martin’s

Supporting and complementing the pastoral role of St. Martin’s clergy is our team of Stephen Ministers. At St. Martin’s, Stephen Ministers are lay people who have completed a formal training program that, coupled with their experience and a two-year minimum commitment, prepares them to listen, and comfort fellow Christians in times of need. They do this in a sensitive, impartial way that is loving, supportive, and completely confidential. Stephen Ministers are available as helpers (not rescuers), listeners (not advisors), and friends (not counselors). They are caregivers, but always remember that God is the cure-giver!

Who can be helped by Stephen Ministers? People who are hospitalized. The grieving. Those suffering loneliness. Those divorcing or divorced, separating or separated. Those who are dying – and their family and friends. Those who are unemployed. The homebound. New parents. Those in spiritual crisis. Victims of accidents. Often, referrals come after the person in crisis has met with a member of the clergy who may suggest this additional source of help. Strict confidentiality is a crucial aspect of this ministry. Also, Stephen Ministers are always the same gender as their care receivers. 

You may request a Stephen Minister for yourself, a relative, or a friend, but a Stephen Minister will only be assigned with permission of the care receiver. Once the potential care receiver has requested or given permission for direct contact, a Stephen Leader will contact the person and then assign a Stephen Minister.