The mission of Stephen Ministry is to help congregations equip God's people for spiritual growth and Christ-centered, practical ministry. People sometimes experience challenges and trials which are not easily overcome alone. Stephen Ministers provide encouragement and support through the rough spots in life.
Stephen Ministers receive specialized training by Stephen Leaders and other qualified professionals to help others during times of trial such as grief, unemployment, loneliness, financial challenges, health concerns, family crisis, or any of the other myriad disturbances in life. In addition to their initial training, all Stephen Ministers receive on-going education and peer-to-peer supervision.
Stephen Ministry in our congregation uses these trained and supervised lay people to provide one-to-one Christian care to others. Stephen Ministers are not counselors or social workers and their role is only to listen and to care, not to give advice or direction.
Since 1997 the Community Church of the Verdes has trained over 60 Stephen Ministers. We currently have over 30 individuals, both Protestant and Roman Catholic, serving as active Stephen Ministers.
Our Stephen Ministry program helps to coordinate a Grief Support Group, typically held annually in February.
Our Stephen Ministry Leaders are Deborah Etcheson, John Pasnau, Glenda Hage, Elaine Chance, Donna Angiolillo, Dan Villanueva, and Judy Villanueva. If you are interested in learning more about Stephen Ministry, wish to become a Stephen Minister, or you want to talk about the resources available, please contact any of the above Leaders, or contact the church office at 480-471-7239.
