Stephen Ministry

at First Presbyterian Church, New Bern

If you would like to speak with someone about working with a Stephen Minister, please contact Anna Pinckney Straight at the church office.

What is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry is grounded in Jesus' command to love one another. Through one-to-one caring relationships, those who are hurting receive the love and care they need to support them.

  • Is life more than you can handle alone right now?

  • Are your health, your attitude, or your relationships suffering?

  • Are you adjusting to a new job, change in marital status, a serious illness, the death of a loved one, or a recent move?

  • Would you like to have someone in your life who really cares?

Everyone goes through difficult times. Having someone to care, to listen, to share God's love with you can help you get through the confusion, stress, or loneliness you may be experiencing.


What is a Stephen Minister? 

A Stephen Minister is...

  • A child of God who walks beside a hurting person

  • A caring Christian friend who really listens

  • A lay person who has received 50 hours of training in how to provide distinctively Christian care.

  • Committed to growing spiritually in relationship with Christ, and growing in skills through regular Stephen Ministry Supervision meetings.

A Stephen Minister is NOT...

  • a counselor or therapist

  • a problem solver

  • a casual visitor.

Stephen Ministry helps meet the needs of individuals in a life crisis who would benefit from a caring, Christian friend. Including, but not limited to...

  • hospitalization

  • family crisis

  • separation/divorce

  • terminal illness

  • bereavement / loss

  • job crisis

  • relationship issues

  • new members of the church/community

  • home-bound

  • lonely

  • spiritual crisis

  • needing a caring, Christian friend.

Are You Interested in Becoming A Stephen Minister?

First Presbyterian Church will be partnering with two other local Stephen Ministry programs for the training that begins on

January 8, 2024
and will continue
Monday evenings from
7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
through May.

Completed applications should be returned to Anna Pinckney Straight.