Stephen Ministry at Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church

              Stephen Ministry is a one to one, confidential, Christ centered ministry implemented using the Stephen Ministry care system adopted by more than 14,000 congregations of all denominations across the United States. Stephen ministers walk with people who are both inside and outside the congregation who are facing spiritual and or life challenges. Examples of challenges which Stephen Minister are trained to deal with include: Grief, personal crisis, divorce, terminal illness /end of life concerns, Spiritual crisis, caregiver issues, financial issues, as well as difficult life transitions. Stephen Ministers are vetted by leadership and attend 20 weekly training sessions as well as monthly supervisory and continuing education meetings. Stephen Ministers, using their advanced training, walk with their care receivers assisting them to be curious, gain insight and to heal in order to allow them to fully and freely, live their faith and embrace what they value in living this life on earth.

As part of our care system, we have trained lookouts who are either church staff, elders, or deacons, who might approach potential care receivers who seem to be struggling, maintaining confidentiality, to see if they might be willing to consider a Stephen minister. A potential care receiver, whether or not in contact with a lookout, can contact one of the referral coordinators below, to obtain a Stephen Minister or simply ask questions about the program. Once assigned to a Stephen Minister, the care giver will arrange a meeting time and place. Generally, you will meet weekly as long as you choose to continue the relationship. Confidentiality is maintained at all times.