Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministry
Contact Stephen Ministry Leaders:
Rev. Scott Simpson: scotts@fpcsat.org – 210-271-2712
What is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry is a non-denominational Christian ministry, the keystone being our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It takes its name from the first Christian martyr, Stephen, who was stoned to death because he took up the Great Commission of Christ to spread the Gospel.
How does it work?
Stephen Ministry has been a vital part of our congregational service for several years. A volunteer caregiver is assigned to a congregation member who has sought support from the church family for such varied needs as ongoing companionship and friendship, prayer when dealing with ill-health, or challenging family relationships such as the death of a loved one or divorce.
Stephen Ministers serve on a gender basis, women ministers caring for women, men ministers caring for men. The ministry is confidential – the names of care receivers are never made public, and Stephen Ministers are not charged with solving problems – they listen, they befriend, they support, and they are knowledgeable about resources that may be available to the care receiver. A Stephen Minister normally meets with her or his care receiver once a week.
Can you help?
The Stephen Leaders at First Presbyterian Church invite all those in the church interested in becoming servants for Christ as Stephen Ministers to prayerfully consider this call to service. It could be one of the most significant calls you ever made to serve the Gospel of Christ.
How does a Stephen Minister help?
Stephen Ministers are not:
• Counselors or therapists
• Ordained pastors
• Problem fixers
Stephen Ministers are:
• Good listeners
• Non-judgmental
• Confidential
• Dependable Christian friends
With a Stephen Minister’s help you can:
• Learn positive attitudes, healthy expectations, and a realistic self-image
• Develop stronger ties with a community of caring Christians
• Understand the role of suffering in life
• Accept and give forgiveness and grace
• Start or strengthen relationship with God, in faith
What a Stephen Minister will do:
• Visit with you on a regular basis (usually for an hour each week)
• Listen to you
• Offer referrals if needed
• Pray with you
• Offer Christian support for as long as you feel you need it
Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry
Those receiving care can be sure that their identity and what goes on in the caring relationship will remain private. Consider allowing a Stephen Minister to walk with you on your path to wholeness.
Request a Stephen Minister
Email Rev. Scott Simpson; scotts@fpcsat.org or call 210-226-0215 ext 212.
Considering whether to serve in Stephen Ministry?
“Your presence is worth much, much more than words. Your presence communicates to the other that they are valued, precious and beloved. Your presence brings not only the gift of yourself into the relationship, but also, in and through you, the gift of God.”
-Kenneth Haugk, founder of Stephen Ministries.
Contact: Rev. Scott Simpson, 210-271-2712, scotts@fpcsat.org.
Are you interested in becoming a Stephen Minister?
Stephen Ministers are trained caregivers who walk alongside a person in need and offer Christ’s love and caring. Each Minister goes through a 20 week training period led by Rev. Scott Simpson and Rev. Dr. Joe Moore.
Click Here for Stephen Ministry Forms
How long it will it take to become prepared?
If you feel called to this caring ministry, preparation takes 20 weeks (50 hours of instruction) and every minute is worth the effort. Recordings of our training will be available for make up sessions on the Video Archive tab above.
Topics include:
• Feelings: Yours, Mine, and Ours
• Listening: The Art and the Practice
• Process versus Results
• Assertiveness: Relating Gently and Firmly
• Maintaining Boundaries
• Crisis Theory and Practice
• Confidentiality
• Experiencing Grief
• Dealing with Depression
Apply for the Course
To apply for the Stephen Minister Course, email Rev. Scott Simpson at scotts@fpcsat.org.
Fall 2023 Training
Stephen Ministers Need You
Next Training Class | Begins September 26 in room 224
Since 1975, over 600,000 people from all walks of life have been trained as Stephen Ministers, lay caregivers who make a significant difference during a time of great need in someone’s life, and in turn experience tremendous personal and spiritual growth themselves. If you desire to be part if this ministry, please contact Rev. Scott Simpson at the church office.
Training Videos
Our Fall 2023 weekly training sessions will be recorded and uploaded here for you to watch, in case you missed a session or if you are just interested in Stephen Ministry.
There are a number of required books for the course which you can see below and on the schedule.
404 N. Alamo Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone 210-226-0215
