Stephen Ministry Program

One-to-one Christian Care for Hurting People

Overbrook Church, through its Stephen ministry program, provides one-to-one Christian care for hurting people.  The Stephen ministers provide care, relying on God to provide cure.  The care is confidential, with only the care receiver, the Stephen minister, and a Stephen leader aware of the caring relationship.  In some cases, one of the pastors may suggest that a person request a Stephen minister.  The Stephen minister and the care receiver, always the same sex, typically meet for one hour each week.

The ability to listen is the primary qualification for a Stephen minister.  About once each year, Overbrook's Stephen leaders offer training for people who would consider serving as a Stephen ministers.  Recently, Overbrook and Maple Grove Methodist have offered joint training sessions.

If you would like to learn more about Stephen Ministry and its founding, check out these two videos produced by PBS for its April 9, 2010, Religion & Ethics Newsweekly.
      Stephen Ministry
      Rev. Kenneth Haugk Extended Interview

Overbrook's Stephen leaders are Carol Bessey and Judith Sandford.  If you would like to receive Stephen care, or would consider training to serve as a Stephen minister, talk to Carol or Judith or to one of the pastors.