People often ask, “What exactly is a Stephen Minister?” One way to put it is that Stephen Ministers are the After People.

Stephen Ministers are there

. . .after the phone call you hoped you’d never get.
. . . after the divorce papers are served and the bottom falls
out of your life.
. . . after the funeral, when everyone has left and the emotions you’ve
held at bay come crashing in on you.
. . . after the doctor says, “I’m sorry, but there’s nothing more we can do.”
. . . after the nursing home director shakes your hand and says, “Welcome to
your new home.”
. . . after the last child honks the horn, waves, and drives away—and the house suddenly seems empty.
. . . after the gavel goes down, the handcuffs go on, and your loved one is
led away.
. . . after the baby arrives, demanding more of you than you ever
dreamed possible.
. . . after you find a pink slip with your final paycheck.
. . . after your family and friends have heard your story one too many times, but you still need to talk it out. 

Stephen Ministry is a system of lay ministry that uses carefully trained and supervised lay members of the congregation as an extension of pastoral counseling. Stephen Ministers are trained empathetic listeners that meet one on one with their “care receiver.” Stephen Ministers operate under strict rules of professionalism and confidentiality. They meet regularly for continuing education and peer supervision. They are ultimately supervised by Triumphant Love’s pastor.

. . . For more information, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

STEPHEN MINISTRY TRAINING 

All Stephen Ministers have successfully completed a 60-hour training program conducted by Stephen Ministry here at Triumphant Love. Their training program includes materials, exercises, and self-study on a variety of topics, including feelings, empathetic listening skills, Bible study, grieving and loss, depression, substance abuse, aging, and community resources. Their training is refreshed and supplemented by monthly continuing education programs.

To find out more about becoming a Stephen Minister, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .