Going through a difficult time? 

Stephen Ministry provides congregations with the training, resources, and ongoing support to organize and equip a team of lay caregivers–called Stephen Ministers–in the congregation.

Stephen Ministers provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care and support to people experiencing grief, divorce, cancer, job loss, loneliness, disability, relocation, and other life difficulties.

To get a Stephen Minister:

You can contact Pastor Jason at: pastor@tefshanghai.org

What Is a Stephen Minister?

Learn more about what Stephen Ministers are and do in this video from McLean Bible Church in Vienna, Virginia. Stephen Ministers are laypeople—Christian men and women—trained to provide one-to-one care to people experiencing a difficult time in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, relocation, or separation due to military deployment. Stephen Ministers come from all walks of life. Their commonality? A passion for bringing Christ’s love and care to people during a time of need. Since 1975, more than 650,000 people from more than 13,000 congregations and other organizations have been trained as Stephen Ministers.

“Stephen Ministers: The After People“—Stephen Ministers come into a person’s life immediately after a crisis has hit and then provide care for as long after as needed. A great resource for helping people see the need, value, and purpose of Stephen Ministry in a congregation.

“I Began to Feel God’s Love Again”—A young woman describes how her caring relationship with her Stephen Minister allowed her to experience Jesus in a personal, tangible, life-transforming way.

“Real Men, Real Ministry, Real Difference”—A man shares his story of discipleship, ministry, and unexpected transformation through becoming a Stephen Minister and witnessing God at work in his caring relationships.

“Stephen Ministry Snapshots”—A quick look at four different Stephen Ministry congregations, showing how Stephen Ministers are helping meet people’s emotional and spiritual needs in a wide range of church settings.

“Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant”—A moving story about a Stephen Minister and his first care receiver, this article provides a personal and powerful testimony to what Stephen Ministry is all about.

“The Blessings of Serving as a Stephen Minister”—For more than 600,000 Christian men and women, being a Stephen Minister has blessed them in ways they could not anticipate. Read what Stephen Ministers have to say about serving in this ministry.

“A Vision for Beginning Stephen Ministry in Our Congregation”—A presentation to help people in the congregation recognize the need for Stephen Ministry and catch a vision for the life-changing power it has in the church and the community.

• Transition
• Loneliness
• Unemployment or a job crisis
• Divorce or separation
• Spiritual crisis
• Hospitalization
• Loss of a loved one
• A chronic illness
• A terminal illness
• Aging
• Recovery after an accident or disaster
• Relocation

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Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ 

Galatians 6:2,NRSV

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