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 Ministers are the “After People.” They are ready to come alongside you—or your friends, neighbors, coworkers, or relatives—and provide comfort and support for as long after as needed.

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. They meet regularly one-on-one with their “care receiver.” They help the care receiver understand his or her situation better, so that the care receiver can change that situation if he or she wants.
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.
All Stephen Ministers have successfully completed a 60-hour training program conducted by Stephen Ministry here at Triumphant Love. Their training program includes material, 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. Training programs are held regularly.

"Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

...For more information, please talk with Pastor Norb, Pastor Jennifer, email Keith Harbour, Stephen Ministry Coordinator, or call 512-923-1219.