What Is Stephen Ministry?

Stephen Ministry offers a proven and effective way to organize, equip, and supervise a team of congregation members—called Stephen Ministers—to provide high-quality, one-to-one, Christ-centered care to people in the congregation and the community experiencing life difficulties.

St. Matthew Stephen Ministers

What is a Stephen Minister?

Stephen Ministers are lay congregation members trained to provide one-to-one care to those experiencing a challenging time in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, or relocation. Stephen Ministers come from all walks of life, but they all share a passion for bringing Christ’s love and care to people during a time of need.

What Stephen Ministers Do

After being matched with a person experiencing a life crisis, the Stephen Minister meets with that person on a weekly basis to listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support. The caring relationship lasts as long as the need for care exists.

Care receivers share how their Stephen Ministers made a difference. Read more here.

Hear what Care Receivers themselves have to say about their journey with a Stephen Minister.

In the video “ My Stephen Minister Is Truly a Gift ,” this Care Receiver speaks about how her Stephen Minister supported her through her cancer treatment.

In another Video, “ I Can Tell Him Anything ,” this Care Receiver shares how his Stephen Minister walks with him as he faces the challenge of being a long-term care giver for his wife.

St. Matthew Stephen Minister

If you, or someone you know, would like more information about how a Stephen Minister can help during a challenging time, call or email

Mark Chaffee at: 209-743-2155 or chaffeemark28@gmail.com

Pastor Tom Sharpe  at: 209 770-5195 or pastortomsharpe@gmail.com