Why the name Stephen? The name Stephen comes from St. Stephen who was the first lay person commissioned by the apostles to provide caring ministry to those in need as recorded in Acts 6.
What does the Stephen Series Logo Mean? The Stephen Series logo consists of a cross and circle together with a broken person and a whole person. The broken person behind the cross symbolized the brokenness in our lives due to our sin and imperfections. The whole person stands in front of the cross because it is only through the cross of Jesus that we are made whole. The circle symbolizes both the wholeness we receive through Christ and God’s unending love for us.
How much does it cost? Stephen Ministry is a care-giving ministry available to our Calvary members and community free of charge.
What is the Pastor's Role? Pastors will always be the primary caregivers, but there is no way pastors can meet all the needs for care. God has called all of us, not just pastors, to minister to one another. Stephen Ministry multiplies ministry by turning pastors into equippers, so they can enable lay people to provide caring ministry as well.
Can I trust a Stephen Minister? Trust is essential to a caring relationship, and Stephen Ministers are people you can trust. Confidentiality is one of the most important principles of Stephen Ministry, and what a care receiver tells his or her Stephen Minister is kept in strictest confidence.
What is the history of Stephen Ministry? Stephen Ministry has been in existence since 1975, when Kenneth Haugk, a pastor and clinical psychologist, began it to multiply the caregiving in his congregation in St. Louis, Missouri. We have had Stephen Ministry here at Calvary since 1998, and are one of more than 8,000 Stephen Ministry congregations from more than 100 denominations. Stephen Ministries St. Louis, the organization behind this international ministry is headquartered in Missouri. Please visit www.stephenministries.org to learn more about Stephen Ministries in St. Louis.
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