Stephen Ministries

Stephen Ministries is a system through which members of Zion Lutheran Church and School are trained and organized to help provide Christian caregiving to members of our congregation and community. This multiplies the amount of caring ministry that Zion can provide by giving us a whole team of skilled caregivers who are equipped to bring Christ’s healing love to people who are grieving, in crises, or experiencing other stresses in life.

Working closely with the pastor and the Stephen leaders of the congregation, Stephen Ministries Caregivers go through 50 hours of initial training in providing high-quality Christian care to individuals experiencing crises or life challenge such as divorce, grief, loss of a job, hospitalization, relocation, or loneliness. Stephen Ministries Caregivers are each assigned a care receiver to meet with for about an hour each week.

All caring relationships are handled with confidentiality and respect for the care receivers’ life situations. The caring relationship will last as long as the care receiver needs it.

If you would like more information on how to become a Stephen Ministries care giver at Zion or to receive care from one, please contact the church office at 618-377-8314 or churchoffice@zionbethalto.org.