Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministry

The Stephen Ministry at Grace brings care to those who have suffered emotional and spiritual distress.  This confidential Christian caring is a vital part of the total healing ministry of Christ’s body of believers.  A Stephen Minister is a member of our congregation who is trained to listen, care, encourage, pray, and walk alongside you during difficult times. If you would like more information about this ministry either to receive care or if you sense a calling to minister please call Pastor Madsen at 760-375-9768, or visit https://www.stephenministries.org/

Stephen Ministry Training

Spiritual gifts are gifts to give away. God gives them to us, and we use them to serve others. How are you using them right now? If your spiritual gifts include one or more of the following – faith , mercy, teaching the faith, encouragement, or knowing – consider Stephen’s ministry.

Stephen Ministers are matched up with Care Receivers who need one on one ministry of caring, listening, praying…..being there. It is a distinctly Christian caring ministry. Usually a Stephen Minister meets about once a week for about an hour.Typically lasting 6 months to a year.
Stephen Ministers go through a 50 hr. training course with a small group of other trainees. The course includes reading outside of the sessions, lecture, discussion and practicing caring situations. Stephen’s Ministers meet about once a month with their leaders and other Stephen Ministers for encouragement and guidance.
Grace Lutheran share Stephen Ministry with Ridgecrest Presbyterian. A class is starting Jan. 10, 6:30pm-9pm at the Presbyterian church. Pastor Ralph Mueller and I are both trained Stephen Minister leaders. Gina Stokes from Grace and Steve Garrison from Ridgecrest will b going through Stephen Ministry Leader training in January. Please join us if God is calling you! Any questions please call me Maria DeRush 760-677-1938, or the Church office 760-375-9768.
For more information on Stephen Ministry visit http://www.stephenministries.org/stephenministry/default.cfm/1596