• A program of lay care giving for those who are experiencing transition or crisis – any time when it could help to have emotional and spiritual support.
   
• Stephen Ministry does not take the place of pastoral care, yet can significantly complement it.
   
• The cornerstone of the Stephen Ministry program is strict confidentiality.
   
• Stephen Ministers are not professional counselors; however, they receive 50-hours of class training addressing issues such as grief and loss, listening, prayer, spiritual care and confidentiality.
   
• A Stephen Minister is assigned one person at a time to visit weekly.
   
• Stephen Ministers meet as a group twice a month for support and continued training.

Since its inception at Second, seventeen volunteers have been trained as Stephen Ministers with the last class having completed training in the Spring of 2004. Currently seven Stephen Ministers are in active service.

Second Presbyterian Church is engaged in Stephen Ministry because we want to grow in our love and concern for each other and for those beyond our church membership. We know that we have been equipped by God with the gifts to provide compassion and caring. Please pray for all who are involved during our training for Stephen Ministry.

To volunteer, to refer someone to receive Stephen Ministry care, or for more information, please call the church office (254-7768) or contact Jackie Graves or Darla Blatnik.