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Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministry serves God by taking Christ’s healing love to hurting people.

What is a Stephen Minister?

A Stephen Minister is a church member with extensive training, who will listen to and care for an individual who is going through a hard time. Stephen Ministers are people just like you, who are specially trained to help people through the tough times, no matter what they’re facing.  A Stephen Minister is:

  • Trustworthy—what you say is held in confidence
  • Faithful—reliant on God’s love and power
  • Skilled—50 hours of initial training followed by monthly continuing education
  • Compassionate—loved by God and sharing God’s love

Who benefits from Stephen Ministry?

If you are going through a hard time, a Stephen Minister could help.  If you are dealing with a difficult situation (grief, divorce, job loss, health crisis, an unwelcome relocation) and not in need of psychiatric care (suffering from depression or mental illness), then a Stephen Minister may be a blessing from God for YOU.
Having a Stephen Minister made all the difference in the world.  I don’t know what I would have done without mine.  When you’re going through something, you don’t want to dump on your kids or your friends.  That’s what my Stephen Minister was for. I consider myself a very strong person.  A lot of people think, “I don’t need a Stephen Minister,” and I want to tell them, “Don’t do this to yourself.  Ask for a Stephen Minister.”  
- Former Care Receiver at WPC

How do I become a Stephen Minister?

 If you are a compassionate Christian who can keep confidences and are ready to learn, we’d like to know!
WPC will organize a weekly class for new Stephen Ministers. Contact Pastor Betsy Rice (brice@wpcnow.org) to learn more or apply to become a Stephen Minister.