Frequently Asked Questions
Stephen Ministry FAQ
Is a Stephen Minister an ordained minister?Just what is a Stephen Minister? What does a Stephen Minister do?What prompts someone to ask for a Stephen Minister?How do you get started?Can I ask for a Stephen Minister for someone else?How long does meeting with a Stephen Minister continue?How will the Stephen Minister know the right cure for me?If I have a Stephen Minister, will it be a man or a woman?How long has PRCC had a Stephen Ministry program?So you don’t have to be a member of PRCC to have a PRCC Stephen Minister?
Stephen Ministry FAQ
Q: Is a Stephen Minister an ordained minister?
A:
No, a Stephen Minister is sometimes called a lay minister, someone with a strong faith who is part of the congregation, has gone through special training, and follows Jesus’ command that we love one another. A Stephen Minister has learned how to minister to another in Christian love.
back to top 
Q: Just what is a Stephen Minister?
A:
A Stephen Minister is a trained listener, a caring person, and a Christian friend. A Stephen Minister is NOT a therapist or a gossip or a judge or a know-it-all. Stephen Ministers have spent 50 hours learning about how to really listen when someone is hurting and how to offer comfort and hope in times of need.
back to top
Q: What does a Stephen Minister do?
A:
Each week, a Stephen Minister meets one-on-one with you. He or she listens to you, prays for you, prays with you if you wish, encourages you, and comforts you. He/she gives you his/her undivided time and attention and always treats you with dignity and respect. A Stephen Minister is someone who truly cares about you.
back to top
Q: What prompts someone to ask for a Stephen Minister?
A:
Loss, grief, a life transition, illness of oneself or of a loved one, spiritual depletion. Sometimes simply going through a difficult, painful, or confusing time of life will bring someone to ask for a Stephen Minister. There are as many different reasons as there are people.
back to top
Q: How do you get started?
A:
You ask Pastor Brett McCleneghan or the current Stephen Ministry Leader for a Stephen Minister. You are then matched with a Stephen Minister. No one else knows you have a Stephen Minister. You and your Stephen Minister meet (usually once a week) for an hour, and you meet someplace where you can talk comfortably. Everything you say is held in total confidence.
back to top
Q: Can I ask for a Stephen Minister for someone else?
A:
Yes, and the person would then be contacted by Pastor McCleneghan or the current Stephen Ministry Leader. Stephen Ministry would be explained, and the person would decide if having a Stephen Minister would be helpful.
back to top
Q: How long does meeting with a Stephen Minister continue?
A:
You meet for as many weeks as you wish. Some people meet for very few weeks – three or five times. Most meet for around a year or two. A few have had a Stephen Minister for four years.
back to top
Q: How will the Stephen Minister know the right cure for me?
A:
God is the cure-giver for you. The Stephen Minister is the care-giver.
back to top
Q: If I have a Stephen Minister, will it be a man or a woman?
A:
Stephen Ministers are always matched with care receivers of their own sex – male care receivers have male Stephen Ministers and female care receivers have female Stephen Ministers.
back to top
Q: How long has PRCC had a Stephen Ministry program?
A:
We began 15 years ago. Over 50 members and friends have had Stephen Ministers during that time.
back to top
Q: So you don’t have to be a member of PRCC to have a PRCC Stephen Minister?
A:
That’s correct.
back to top