Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2, NRSV)

​

The Stephen Ministry program at Peace began with the training of four Stephen Leaders at St. Louis in 2019 who were commissioned in early 2020.  Another Stephen Leader was trained and commissioned in in 2022.  These Stephen Leaders implement the program by recruiting and training Stephen Ministers.  They continue to provide ongoing leadership for the Stephen Ministry program.

​

Stephen Ministers are members of Peace Ministries who have received 50 hours of special training equipping them to provide one-to-one Christian care to people in our congregation or community experiencing challenges in life such as grief, divorce, chronic illness, job loss, loneliness, or a spiritual crisis. 

​

After commissioning, these Stephen Ministers provide care to someone who is hurting.  A Stephen Minister typically has one care receiver at a time and meets with that person weekly for an hour. This caring relationship lasts for as long as the need persists.

​

Peace Ministries commissioned its first group of Stephen Ministers in 2020. A second group was commissioned in the Spring of 2021 and a third group was commissioned in January 2023.  The Stephen Leaders have trained a total of 15 Stephen Ministers, 10 of whom are actively serving members of our congregation or community.  (After completing a 2 year commitment, 5 Stephen Ministers have temporarily stepped away from active service in the program.)

​

If you feel that you or someone you know would benefit from receiving the care of a Stephen Minister, please contact the church office at 715-623-2200.

​

*The caregiving relationship remains strictly confidential. The Stephen Ministry program of Peace Lutheran Ministries is affiliated with Stephen Ministries of St. Louis, Missouri.