Stephen Ministry at Central provides trained lay ministers to work one on one, gender to gender, with those facing a life challenge, such as marital problems, addiction, relocation, job loss, bereavement, illness, or a myriad of other difficult circumstances.  Our Stephen Ministers are dedicated Christians with well over 50 hours of structured training from the Stephen Ministry program of St. Louis, MO.

Central has been blessed to have an active Stephen Ministry since October of 2007.  At that time, God chose eight individuals to begin the ministry.  In the Fall of 2010, three more people were trained and brought their talents to the original group.  In early 2011, a new member of CPC, who was already a commissioned Stephen Minister, joined and brought the total group of Stephen Ministers to 12, including the Stephen Leader.

Some testimonies of those who have received care from a Stephen Minister:

“I thank God every day for my Stephen Minister.  I don’t know how I could have made it through the past year without her!!”

“As a man it was difficult and awkward reaching out for help.  But I’m glad I did.  It surely was a lot easier having a Stephen Minister to talk to.”

“The best thing about Stephen Ministry was that it was so confidential.  Nobody even knew I had a Stephen Minister.”

“I was hurting so much I couldn’t see straight.  But I discovered the healing love of Jesus through my Stephen Minister.  I can’t say enough about Stephen Ministry.”

One of the hallmarks of Stephen Ministry is the absolute adherence to confidentiality and privacy.  Even within the ministry, names or unique situations which might be recognized, are not shared.  The only people who are aware of someone connected with a Stephen Minister are the Stephen Leader (Pat Wayne), the person receiving the care (Care Receiver), and the Steven Minister (Care Giver).  This is a covenant that is strictly respected.

While Stephen Ministers offer Christian care and support to those with various needs, they cannot replace the need for professional therapy or counseling if circumstances call for that.  If this type of help is needed, the Stephen Minister will make that recommendation to their Care Receiver and will assist in an appropriate referral to a local professional using a reference library within the ministry.

To find out what a relationship with a Stephen Minister can mean to you, please complete the confidential form below which will be received directly by Pat Wayne. Provide your phone number and she will place a call only to you.  You will also find informational cards in each pew in the church sanctuary that can be completed in order to receive a call from Pat Wayne.