About Stephen Ministry

Recognizing that many of us come to a point in our lives when we are struggling to sort things out, Stephen Ministers are available to be God’s listening presence.

Grounded in Jesus’ command to love one another, Stephen Ministry provides care to members of Fourth Church and to members of the broader community. Through ongoing one-to-one relationships for as much as one hour per week, Stephen Ministers provide love and care to those who are experiencing challenging times.

Stephen Ministry is confidential. The identity of those receiving care and what happens in each caring relationship is private.

Stephen Ministry confidential voicemail: 312.573.3365

To apply to become a Stephen Minister, complete this application form or to learn more click here.

Who Is Stephen Ministry For?
Meeting with a Stephen Minister
The History of Stephen Ministry
Who Is a Stephen Minister?
Fourth Church Stephen Ministers

Who Is Stephen Ministry For?

Stephen Ministry is for anyone going through challenging times, such as

• Loss of a spouse, child, close family member, friend, or relative
• Hospitalization
• Divorce or separation
• Loneliness or discouragement
• Retirement changes
• Birth, adoption, miscarriage, or infertility
• Aging
• Being homebound
• Unemployment
• Chronic illness
• Relocation
• Spiritual crises
• Caregiving for another
• New job
• . . . and more . . .

Meeting with a Stephen Minister

If you are interested in meeting with a Stephen Minister or know someone who would benefit from such a caring relationship, please leave a message on our Stephen Ministry confidential voicemail at 312.573.3365.

The History of Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministry at Fourth Church is a part of a larger nonprofit religious organization founded in 1975 by Dr. Kenneth C. Haugk, a pastor and clinical psychologist. While serving as the pastor of a St. Louis congregation, Dr. Haugk saw a need for care that exceeded what he alone could provide. The first Stephen Ministers were nine members trained to work with him in providing caring ministry. The ministry was so successful that some of the Stephen Ministers suggested that the ministry be shared with other congregations. In response, Stephen Ministries St. Louis was founded to equip congregations to train laity for this ministry.

Since Stephen Ministries was founded in 1975—

• More than 12,000 congregations have enrolled in the Stephen Series
• More than 70,000 pastors and lay leaders from those congregations have been equipped at Leader’s Training Courses
• More than 600,000 laypeople have received Stephen Minister training
• More than 1.5 million people have had a Stephen Minister to walk with them, providing one-to-one Christian care during tough times

Who Is a Stephen Minister?

A Stephen Minister is a member of Fourth Church who

• Supports, listens, accompanies, prays, and cares for those receiving care
• “Is there” for his or her care receiver, meeting faithfully for an hour a week, for as long as the need exists
• Has been carefully selected for his or her caregiving skills
• Has received fifty hours of training in providing emotional and spiritual care
• Participates twice a month in peer supervision and periodically in continuing education

Fourth Church Stephen Ministers

Stephen Ministers: Blake Anderson, Martha Brown, Kathleen Cleary, Robert Crouch, Rebecca Dixon, Kat Evans, Cathy Flaa, Marsha Heizer, Jean Joslyn, Vivien Lee, Kelley Lynch, Roel Mason-Vivit, Colleen Mraz, Melanie Oh Pierce, Sam Psimoulis, Arlene Raine, Deborah Zak

Stephen Ministry Leaders: Cathy Flaa, Colleen Mraz, Arlene Raine, Deborah Zak

For more information about Stephen Ministry and Caring Ministries at Fourth Church, contact Nancy Benson-Nicol, Associate Pastor for Caring Ministries and Spiritual Formation.

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