Church Home
About CLC
CLC News
Worship
Education
Alpha Groups
Family & Sports Ministry
Refugee Center
Community Kitchen  
Church Activities
Stephen Ministry
Church Staff
Contact Us
Where Are We?
Links

Stephen Minister Job Description

Back to Stephen Ministry homepage

Job description for Stephen Ministers

Purpose:
The Stephen Minister is committed to providing one-to-one caring ministry to persons in emotional or spiritual need -- for example, in times of loneliness, of illness or hospitalization, of job loss, of divorce, of grief, of spiritual emptiness, or of various crisis situations.

Accountability:
Stephen Ministers are accountable to the Stephen Leaders and to the Pastor. They, in turn, are accountable to the entire congregation through the Parish Planning Council.

Responsibilities:

1. Make a 24 month commitment to Stephen Ministry. This includes the initial 50 hours of training.

2. Give priority to the 50 hours of training, as listed on the Training Schedule.

3. Study all the materials used in the course, including books and articles. (There will be a fee for training materials.  If needed, financial help is available -- see Pastor Thiele.)

4. Participate in an ongoing support and continuing education group on a twice-monthly basis (five hours per month) for the balance of the 24 month commitment.

5. Be available for service as a Stephen Minister (visits averaging 4-6 hours per month) for the balance of the 24 month commitment.

6. Respond promptly to referrals made by Stephen Leaders.

7. Seek to establish a one-to-one caring relationship following such a referral. Visitation will normally be on a weekly basis. The goal is for each Stephen Minister to have at least one caring relationship at any time. With the agreement of both Stephen Minister and Stephen Leaders, it is possible for a Stephen Minister to have more than one such relationship at a time.

8. Maintain confidentiality at all times by not discussing care receivers by name or implication.

9. Set aside time on a regular basis for personal devotions such as Bible reading and prayer. Pray especially for care receivers, other Stephen Ministers, and Stephen Leaders.