Stephen Ministry


About Stephen Ministry

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

Stephen Ministry offers a proven and effective way to organize, equip, and supervise a team of congregation members—called Stephen Ministers—to provide high-quality, one-to-one, Christ-centered care to people in the congregation and the community experiencing life difficulties.

Stephen Ministry multiplies blessings throughout Front Street and our community.

  • Front Street carries out Christ’s commandment to “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12 RSV) in a powerful and practical way.
  • Our pastors have a team of gifted, trained, and committed lay caregivers ready to minister to hurting people.
  • Laypeople nurture and use their gifts in meaningful ministry, growing spiritually as they serve others.
  • People who are hurting have a caring Christian presence to provide emotional and spiritual support.

In short, Stephen Ministry helps carry out the mission of our church.

Stephen Ministry involves many people

Stephen Ministers

Stephen Ministers are lay congregation members trained to provide one-to-one care to those experiencing a difficult time in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, or relocation. Stephen Ministers come from all walks of life, but they all share a passion for bringing Christ’s love and care to people during a time of need.

Care Receivers

Care receivers are individuals in the congregation or community who are going through a crisis or life difficulty. Potential care receivers first meet with a pastor or Stephen Leader, who assesses their needs for care and matches them with a Stephen Minister. The caring relationship lasts for as long as the need persists.

Stephen Leaders

Stephen Leaders are church staff, lay leaders, and pastors trained to provide ongoing leadership for their congregation’s Stephen Ministry. They are equipped for this key role through the Stephen Leader Training Course offered by Stephen Ministries St. Louis.

Frequently Asked Questions


Who do Stephen Ministers help?

Stephen Ministers provide care to individuals facing difficult times in life—grief, cancer, divorce, financial difficulties, hospitalization, chronic illness, job loss, disability, a spiritual crisis, or other life struggles.


Am I assured of confidentiality?

Conversations with a Stephen Minister are kept confidential. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of Stephen Ministry, ensuring that anything you share remains private and is not discussed with others.



How can I get care from a Stephen Minister?

Any adult who is hurting and in need of Christian care can seek a Stephen Minister. It is not necessary to be member of Front Street to have a Stephen Minister. If you would like a Stephen Minister, please email stephenministry@frontstreetumc.org.


How do I become a Stephen Minister?

To learn more about becoming a Stephen Minister, email stephenministry@frontstreetumc.org, and a Stephen Leader will guide you through the next steps.


Let’s continue to care for one another as we live out the call to “love one another, as I have loved you” (John 13:34).

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