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Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)
Love one another as I have loved you. (John 13:34)
Do you desire to support others who are hurting, but are feeling unsure of your skills? Are you considering becoming a Stephen Minister and need more information about the commitment? Are you yourself in need of a Stephen Minister to listen to you without judgment and support you through a stressful life situation?
Contact Kellie Franceschini at (909) 438-5657. Or leave a confidential message for Stephen Ministry at
(909) 626-3596, ext. 332.
Description of this ministry
OLA's Stephen Ministry equips lay volunteers to provide confidential, one-on-one Christian care to individuals who are experiencing difficulties in their life. The situations might include loss of a loved one, divorce or separation, illness, spiritual crisis, loss of a job or relocation, family problems, aging or caring for an aging family member, loneliness, hospitalization, financial stress, etc. The Stephen Ministers are trained to recognize situations that require professional counseling or intervention.
If you, or someone you know needs help
Call our Stephen Ministry hotline to leave a confidential message at (909) 626-3596, ext. 332.
A Stephen Leader will contact you to set up an appointment.
Description of a Stephen Minister
Stephen Ministers are caring Christians who listen, care, pray , support and encourage people in need. They are good listeners and prayerful, compassionate persons. Stephen Ministers are commited to meeting faithfully with a care-receiver for about an hour a week as long as there is a need. Any adult willing to complete the 50 hours of Stephen Ministry training is welcome to complete an application. A Stephen Leader will arrange to meet with the candidate to determine whether this ministry is a good fit with his or her personal temperament and skills. Some Stephen Ministers have professional training related to counseling, and others do not; it is not a requirement. Stephen Ministers meet on the first and third Monday of the month to receive ongoing training and support from Stephen Leaders.
National affiliation and training
OLA's ministry is supported by the national Stephen Ministries located in St. Louis, Missouri. Since 1975, the Stephen Series is now in more than 10,000 congregations from more than 150 Christian denominations, in all 50 states, 10 Canadian provinces, and 23 other countries. More than 55,000 pastors, church staff, and laypersons have been trained as Stephen Leaders (those who oversee and direct Stephen Ministry in the congregation) at a Stephen Series Leader's Training Course. More than 500,000 people have trained as Stephen Ministers in their congregations. More than a million people have received care from a Stephen Minister in a formal one-to-one Stephen Ministry caring relationship, and millions of others have received care from Stephen Ministers in informal ways.
Read the feature story about Stephen Ministries from our bulletin.
Or visit www.stephenministries.org