Pastoral Care

Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministers are men and women from Messiah who are trained to provide quality 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 usually meet with their care receiver weekly for about an hour. Each week, Stephen Ministers meet as a group with their Stephen Leaders for supervision and continuing education.

Stephen Ministers come from all walks of life. What they share in common is a passion for bringing Christ's love and care to people during a time of need.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Important guidelines for their caring relationship protect both the care receiver and the Stephen Minister:

  • The relationship between a care receiver and a Stephen Minister is confidential.
  • Men are matched with men; women with women.
  • When a care receiver's needs exceed what a Stephen Minister can provide, the Stephen Ministry team makes a referral to an appropriate mental health professional or other community resource.

If you would like to learn more about how to become a Stephen Minister or would benefit from a Stephen Ministry relationship, please contact Messiah's Stephen Referrals Director, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at 360.901.1869.

The following are essays written by members of Messiah's Stephen Ministry team. Taken together, these provide insight into the ministry and the healing power of the relationships it provides.Stephen Ministry logo

The Gift of Stephen Ministry by Dianne Dawson

God is the Cure Giver by Marilyn Mattson

The Light of Christ by Jim Swenson 

God Equips the Called by Detra Swenson

Why Did I Wait So Long by Richard Vaughn

Who is Listening by Norma Moore

 

Christ Bearers

Christ Bearers bring Holy Communion to homebound members of Messiah on a weekly or monthly basis depending upon the recipient's desire. Contact the church office at 574-7081 if you are interested in serving in this capacity.