Stephen Ministry

The Stephen Ministry logo symbolizes that we all are broken people and that it is only through the Cross of Jesus that we are made whole.

Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry that provides one-on-one care for those experiencing a hard time such as job loss, relocation, death or illness of a loved one, divorce or other life challenge. A Stephen Minister will be there with you, listen to you, walk with you, and provide Christian care. The identity of those receiving care and what takes place in each caring relationship remains private.

A Stephen Minister is:

A child of God who walks beside a person who is hurting.
A congregation member with gifts for caregiving, who was carefully selected to serve in this role.
A lay person who has received 50+ hours of training in providing emotional and spiritual care.
A caring, Christian friend who listens, cares, prays, supports and encourages.
Someone who will “be there” for his or her care receiver, meeting faithfully for about one hour each week, for as long as there is a need.

Stephen Ministry Featured on PBS

The PBS "Religion and Ethics" news show recently aired an eight-minute feature on Stephen Ministry that vividly describes the life-changing ministry happening in thousands of congregations. View the Stephen Ministry feature on the PBS Web site.

Stephen Ministers are called to be CAREGIVERS; GOD is the CUREGIVER!

To request a Stephen Minister, contact Stephen Leader Rev. Mike Ireland, mireland@orchardpark.org. If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, contact Stephen Leader Bill Wiebenga, libbmw@AOL.com. With additional questions regarding the Stephen Ministry program at OPPC, you also may contact Stephen Leader Cathy Muterspaugh, cathy@cathymax.com.

For general information concerning the Stephen Ministry Program, contact the national offices in Saint Louis, Missouri: www.stephenministries.org.