Stephen Ministers: A group of trained caregivers that are ready to listen, care for and encourage individuals. They will pray with you to help you through whatever you may be facing. The one to one pairing with a Stephen Minister is free and confidential. To get more information or to request to speak to someone, email stephenministry@palmaceia.org.
Stephen Ministry
The mission of PCPC’s Stephen Ministry team is to walk alongside people in our congregation and community who are going through a difficult time, focusing on a relationship that is caring, trusting and led by faith.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers…
~Galatians 6:10
What are Stephen Ministers?
Stephen Ministers are lay congregation members called and trained to provide Christ centered, confidential, one-to-one care to people who are hurting and in crisis.
What are Care Receivers?
Care Receivers are members of the congregation or the community who receive care from a Stephen Minister. Care Receivers are people struggling through a difficult time in life experiencing grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, family crisis, or some other life crisis. Meetings with Stephen Ministers are confidential and can be in person or on the phone. Potential Care Receivers first meet with a pastor who matches them with a Stephen Minister. The caring relationship lasts as long as the need persists.
Click Here to Watch Care Receiver Videos
How can I arrange to have a Stephen Minister?
To get more information or to request to speak with a pastor, email stephenministry@palmaceia.org .
Why is it called Stephen Ministry?
Stephen was one of the first laypeople commissioned by the apostles to care for the community of believers in Acts 6. Just as Stephen helped to meet the growing needs of the early church, Stephen Ministry expands the caring capacity of congregations. And just as Stephen shared the spirit of Jesus, so Stephen Ministry brings Christ’s healing love to those who are hurting.
The four points of the Caregiver’s Compass illustrate what Stephen Ministers are all about:
- We have COMPASSION for the care receivers’ spiritual, emotional, or physical issues.
- We are FULL OF FAITH because we rely on God—not our own actions—to bring hope and healing to our care receivers.
- We become SKILLED through our initial training and twice-monthly supervision and continuing education.
- Care receivers depend on our TRUSTWORTHINESS—confidentiality is a cornerstone of Stephen Ministry.
At the center of the compass and at the center of our ministry is our Lord and Savior JESUS CHRIST, who heals through us and fills us with faith, love, and forgiveness.