Stephen Ministry

at First Presbyterian Church, New Bern

Stephen Ministry has been reignited at First Presbyterian Church. Learn about this ministry below.

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. It is a ministry of trained lay people who provide confidential, one-on-one support to anyone who is experiencing a life challenge. When we are experiencing a difficult time, it can be helpful to know that someone else cares, that someone else is praying for us, that someone else is willing to listen to us and reach out to us. Stephen Ministers can provide that Christ-centered care and support to those who are hurting.

Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ  (Galatians 6:2).

• 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 and keeps all conversations confidential.

• A lay person who has received 50 hours of training in providing 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...

• Life events: spiritual crisis, job loss, relocation to a new community, sudden crisis, death of a loved one; financial struggles, loneliness, relationship concerns

• Family events: empty nest, family crisis, separation/divorce, caring of children or parents with disabilities, childbirth, marriage and wedding planning

• Illness: hospitalization, accident recovery, terminal illness, chronic condition, homebound, caregiving needs

  *Stephen Ministers work with adults only, not with children.

Are You Interested in Becoming A Stephen Minister?

If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, please contact StephenMinistry@firstpresnb.org

There are currently no active Stephen Minister Training classes scheduled.