While Stephen Ministers can offer support when a crisis occurs, more often their role is to bear witness as God goes about the process of healing. Because this process can take time, a Stephen Minister may work one-on-one with a care receiver for many weeks or months. This work is carried out quietly and in strict confidence, without fanfare or acknowledgement. And while Stephen Ministers meet together regularly for guidance, the names of those involved are never used to insure confidentiality. The work of the Stephen Minister is also gender specific with women caring for women and men caring for men.
You don't have to become a Stephen Minister to be a part of the Stephen Ministry. You need only offer your prayers for someone in grief or pain and you become one of us. . . you need only to listen to someone in need. Remember, we are sisters and brother and you need only know that God is the Great Caregiver and we share a common belief.