During this pandemic year of 2020, the importance of a vital and active Stephen Ministry has been confirmed.  At Joy, the membership in the Ministry has taken a significant hit-we have lost over half of the Stephen Ministers.  Loss of ministers does not mean a loss of need.  This blog is part of my effort to explain and to build support for this vital ministry, not only at Joy in Ocala, but at churches of all denominations throughout the world.

What is Stephen Ministry?  It is Christ caring for His children in need of spiritual help with the human assistance of specially trained and dedicated Christians.  Stephen Ministers receive an initial training of over 50 hours in the areas of spirituality, listening, boundary recognition and service, just to name a few areas.  After a minister is commissioned, they attend bimonthly supervision sessions and continued education.

I have had the privilege of being a Stephen Ministry Leader for over six years.  When I speak with people about this ministry, I am often met with confused looks and lots of questions.  For a ministry that has been around for a long time with a stellar track record for offering comfort in times of crisis in the name of Jesus Christ, the lack of knowledge about Stephen Ministry is troubling for me. 

As a Stephen Leader, one of my jobs is to increase understanding of the ministry.  Although I believe in this ministry and its benefits to both the giver and receivers, the task of explaining its function is not easy.  For some, the understanding comes quickly; for others, more questions and answers are needed.

However, to grow and continue to fulfill the mission of comfort and consolation for the people of Joy, the ministry needs a fuller understanding by all members.  So, let’s start with the name – why Stephen?   This ministry was named after the first martyr for the Christian faith, Stephen.   However, not because he was the first martyr for the church but for the role he served in the infant church. 

Stephen was the first lay deacon.  The Elders assigned him to care for the widows and orphans of the early church.  He was chosen along with six others to perform this ministry, freeing the Apostles to preach and teach.  He was chosen to assist with the feeding and clothing of those in need. 

There is a quite a long account of these happenings in Scripture (Acts 5:6-7, just two chapters but chocked full of information) which describes why he was appointed, his arrest, trial and defense and finally his execution.  Several times, the description, “Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit”, is used when speaking about him.  In many ways, Stephen acted as Christ’s hands and feet on earth, just as today’s Stephen Ministers act for their care receivers.

And while today’s Stephen Ministry does not provide food and clothing to widows and orphans, they do bring the Bread of Life to those experiencing spiritual hunger and drought.  Many situations may cause God’s people to be in spiritual stress.  Pastors can provide the first dose of spiritual healing, but long- term recovery is aided by highly trained Stephen Ministers who can stay with the “widows and orphans”, the lonely and confused, the grieving and the angry, for as long as necessary, without judging, haranguing or abandoning.

Stephen Ministers are living proof that God loves you unconditionally!  Read Acts 5: 6-7 to learn more about Stephen and his life in the Spirit.

Terri