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STEPHEN MINISTRY

Stephen Ministry is a distinctively Christian caring ministry in which clergy and laity work together to provide quality one-to-one care to meet the needs of people experiencing a wide range of life circumstances or crisis, such as loss of a loved one, illness, divorce or business difficulties. This unique one-on-one ministry is a loving commitment to care for and support one another in the Body of Christ.

Stephen Ministers are congregation members trained to offer high-quality individual Christian care to people going through tough times. A Stephen Minister usually provides care to one person at a time, meeting with that person once a week for about an hour. Additionally, twice a month, Stephen Ministers gather with their Stephen Leaders for supervision and continuing education.

Confidentiality is the sacred watchword of all Stephen Ministry caring. The Care Giver never reveals with whom s/he is meeting or why s/he is needed. Any pastor can assist a member in making the supportive connection with a Stephen Minister.

For any member of Ladue Chapel, a listening, caring friend is always available and as near as the telephone.

For more information about Stephen Ministry or how to become a Stephen Minister, contact the church office at 314-993-4771 or Rev. Dieter Heinzl

For a confidential contact, call Stephen Leaders Vivian Swain at 314-576-5427; or Carolyn Birge at 314-997-2529; Jo Dyroff at 314-576-7426; Edmond Kopetz at 314-918-5050; or Jan Miller at 314-945-0204.

Information also available at the Stephen Ministry Home Office, https://www.stephenministries.org/default.cfm

Stephen Ministers Care

Our Stephen Ministers are ready to provide you with the confidential, one-to-one Christian care you need to make it through a crisis or help you through a difficult time.

Our Stephen Ministers provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to people who are:

  • Grieving the death of a loved one or other significant loss
  • Hospitalized or recovering from hospitalization
  • Dying
  • Lonely or discouraged
  • Coping with a terminal illness or caring for a family member with a terminal illness
  • Unemployed or in a job crisis
  • Disabled or caring for an ill or disabled family member
  • Moving or relocating
  • New to the congregation or the community
  • Anticipating the birth or adoption of a child
  • Homebound or institutionalized
  • Transitioning into retirement
  • Dealing with the crisis of aging
  • Facing a life transition
  • Experiencing a spiritual crisis
  • Victims of a disaster or accident

And for people facing countless other crises or life challenges or who are going through a difficult time and could benefit from the care of a supportive Christian friend.

What Is a Stephen Minister?

A Stephen Minister is:

  • A child of God who walks beside a hurting person;
  • A caring Christian who really listens;
  • A member of our congregation who has received 50 hours of training (plus continuing education) in how to provide distinctively Christian care;
  • A person who is ready to focus on your needs;
  • A trustworthy confidant who will keep everything you say—and even your identity—confidential; and
  • Someone who will visit you in the hospital or nursing home;
  • Someone who will faithfully meet with you on a weekly basis for as long as your need persists.

A Stephen Minister is NOT:

  • A counselor or therapist;
  • A problem-solver;
  • Someone who runs errands or helps with chores; or
  • A casual visitor.

Online resources available to assist Stephen Ministers and their care receivers:

Books and Study Materials:

Stephen Ministry Training Manuals

Christian Caregiving:  A Way of Life

Speaking the Truth in Love

When and How to Use Mental Health Resources

Don’t Sing Songs to a Heavy Heart

Confidentiality is the sacred watchword of all Stephen Ministry caring. The Care Giver never reveals with whom s/he is meeting or why s/he is needed. Any pastor can assist a member in making the supportive connection with a Stephen Minister.

For any member of Ladue Chapel, a listening, caring friend is always available and as near as the telephone.

For more information about Stephen Ministry or how to become a Stephen Minister, contact the church office at 314-993-4771 or fill out an application here.

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