FCC Stephen Ministry

Our Stephen Ministers provide four types of Christian Care.

Crisis Care for people who may be dealing with terminal illness, hospitalization, the death of a loved one, unemployment, divorce, financial setback broken family relationships, natural disaster, or the aftermath of a fire. Less obvious crises include retirement, empty nest, relocation, or the victim of a crime. 

Preventive Care to help people anticipate and prepare for potentially difficult events, such as receiving a promotion, approaching retirement, marriage, children going to college, or childbirth. Though these may seem to be wonderful life events, each can be stressful.

Supportive Care for the caregiver as he/she faces the challenges of caring for a loved one. Dealing with the realities of a dying spouse, deciding to place elderly parent(s) in a long-term care facility, having a special-needs child, supporting a grieving parent or someone going through a divorce can be very stressful.

Follow-Up Care People commonly need follow-up care following a major life crisis.

Stephen Ministry is...

A program of our congregation that equips lay persons to provide distinctively Christian one-to-one care to those who are experiencing all kinds of life need and circumstances, both in our congregation and community.

Stephen Ministers are committed Christian people who. . .

1. express God’s care through their lives to others;
2. receive 50 hours of initial training in important caring ministry skills and concepts
3. are commissioned as Stephen Ministers after completing their initial training
4. visit another person regularly and dependably and offer Christian support and care
5. participate in regular support and supervision under the guidance of trained Stephen Leaders
6. are committed to preserving the confidential nature of the caring relationship;
7. serve at least two years
8. receive continuing education and skill building throughout their years of service.