When I speak with people about Stephen Ministry, I am often met with confused looks and lots of questions. I had the privilege of being a Stephen Ministry Leader for over ten years, and those conversations have shown me how little some people know about what we do. That troubles me because I believe this long-established ministry has a stellar record of offering comfort in times of crisis in the name of Jesus Christ.

As a Stephen Leader, one of my jobs was to help all members of Joy understand this ministry—not only those who have been part of it since it began here years ago. It is easy to stay within my comfort zone and talk with people who already understand our work. I am not sure I have done enough to reach those who are less familiar with it, and I want to change that.

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. But not because he was a martyr, but for the role to which he was appointed by the early church elders.

Stephen was the first lay deacon, assigned to care for the widows and orphans of the infant 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 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.

Terri