Stephen Ministry

Meeting the needs of the people
Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2, NRSV)
What is Stephen Ministry?

Stephen Ministry is the one-to-one lay caring ministry that equips and empowers lay caregivers - called Stephen Ministers - to provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to people who are hurting.  

Anyone who is hurting or feeling alone is encouraged to connect with a specially trained Stephen Minister.  How?  Just by contacting the church office.  Someone will then contact you and match you with a care giver.  

The Stephen Ministry Logo

Picture
The Stephen Ministry logo, with the broken person behind the cross and the whole person in front of the cross, symbolizes that we are all broken people and that it is only through the cross of Jesus that we are made whole. Stephen Ministers help guide in the journey from brokenness to wholeness.
There is no charge and you need not be a member or attend Valley Presbyterian to talk to a Stephen Minister, just live in the Green Valley area. 

All communication and contact is kept in the strictest confidence.  Even the names of those receiving care from a Stephen Minister are kept confidential.  

No one gets assigned a Stephen Minister until they request one.  Reach out for help - we know that asking for help is a sign of strength, not of weakness, and we want to be with you in this time of need. 
The following are examples of times we'd like to help:
  • Bereaved
  • Hospitalized or home-bound
  • Caring for a family member who is ill or suffering from dementia
  • Terminally ill
  • Separating or getting divorced
  • Facing an emotional or spiritual crisis
  • Experiencing a difficult time
  • Lonely or discouraged
  • Stephen Ministers help pastors and congregations provide quality care for as long as the need exists.
Would you like to hear what it is like to have a Stephen Minister? Click HERE to hear what care receivers have to say.
I'm interested in having a Stephen Minister
What are the steps for getting a Stephen Minister?

Please call one of the Stephen Ministries referral coordinators listed to the right, or telephone the church office at 625-5023 to leave them a message.

The referral coordinator will call and set up a time to visit you. Together, you will determine if having a Stephen Minister assigned is right for you. Then, the referral coordinator selects the right Stephen Minister for you.

Most care givers and care receivers meet for about an hour a week at a time and place that works for both. The relationship continues as long as you need the Stephen Minister. At some point, the relationship will close even though your friendship may well continue.


Referral Coordinators:

Peggi Briggs 520-965-9203
John Agner 206-910-6357
Stephen Ministers meet about one hour a week with care receivers. The following information describes Stephen Ministers at Valley Presbyterian Church and may help you decide if you would like to have a Stephen Minister.

  • A member of our congregation who has received 50 hours of training in how to provide distinctively Christian care
  • A caring Christian friend who really listens
  • The same gender as the care receiver
  • A trustworthy confidant who will keep everything you say - even your identity - confidential
  • Supervised for quality care
  • Someone who will faithfully meet with you on a weekly basis for as long as your need exists
Stephen Ministry Celebrates 20 Years at VPC!

On Stephen Ministry Sunday, October 23, Valley Presbyterian Church celebrated 20 years of Stephen Ministry by honoring the 233 people who have been trained since 1996. The original class included Punky Griggs (Stephen Leader then), Mary Ruth Jaggard, Geri Appleton, and Bobbie Richards. A filmed interview with these ladies was shown in Charter Hall during fellowship hour. All are still very active in the church with Mary Ruth still being an active Stephen Minister. Congratulations! We value all our Stephen Ministers, active and inactive, because their skills continue to be used in their lives and in the lives of our congregation even after retirement!