The vision of Stephen Ministry at First Baptist Church, Huntsville, AL is to equip members of the congregation to use their spiritual gifts in order to share the love of Christ by confidentially responding to people’s needs for care.

Stephen Ministry is a caring ministry providing trained, confidential, one-to-one Christian care for people facing difficulty. Stephen Ministry is named after Stephen, the first deacon in the early church, commissioned by the apostles. The care is man-to-man or woman-to-woman and connects with people over 18 years old.

Stephen Ministers are committed Christians who:

• Express God’s love through their lives to others;
• Receive 50 hours of initial training in important caring ministry skills and concepts;
• Have developed his/her gifts in order to extend a supporting hand;
• Visit another person regularly and dependably and offer Christian support and care;
• Are committed to preserving the confidential nature of the caring relationship;
• Receive continuing education and skill building throughout their years of service;

Stephen Ministers are not:

• Counselors or therapists
• Problem-solvers
• Individuals who run errands or help with chores
• Casual visitors

Stephen Ministry meets the needs of people. There are times when each of us needs the care of another person, a Christian friend, a Stephen Minister! The needs include, but are not limited to:

• Those hospitalized
• Those grieving a death or serious loss
• Those with a job crisis
• Those facing life transitions
• Those separated or divorced
• Those with disabilities and their families

• Is life more than you can handle alone right now?
• Is your health, your attitude, or your relationships suffering?
• Are you adjusting to a new job, change in marital status, a serious illness, the death of a loved one, or a recent move?
• Would you like to have someone in your life that really cares?

Everyone goes through difficult times. Having someone to care, to listen, and to share God's love can help you get through the confusion, stress, or loneliness that you may be experiencing.

WHAT ARE THE NEEDS WITH WHICH STEPHEN MINISTRY CAN HELP?

Illness Family frustrations and challenges Loneliness Chronic illness Families of the chronically ill Loss of a loved one Separation or divorce Being shut-in Having a newborn

A low self-esteem Terminal illness Loss of a job Financial setbacks Struggling with faith in God Aging Facing life changes Retirement Miscarriage and Infertility

HOW CAN I REFER SOMEONE TO STEPHEN MINISTRY?

1. Identify someone who is hurting and in need of Christian care (you, a friend, or a relative).
2. You, a friend, a relative, or a pastor contacts Stephen Ministry about this need.
3. Our Referral Coordinator (256-428-9414) will meet with this person to talk about Stephen Ministry.
4. With their permission, the Referral Coordinator will assign a Stephen Minister to meet on a regular basis with the care receiver.
5. The Stephen Minister provides distinctively Christian and strictly confidential care.

Stephen Ministers are Caregivers ... God is the CUREGIVER

To contact the Stephen Ministry of First Baptist Huntsville, please contact the Stephen Ministry Referral Coordinator at 256-428-9414 or by email.  

How do I obtain more information?

How do I become a Stephen Minister?