Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministry equips lay-people to provide one-to-one Christian care to people in our congregation and community who are experiencing difficulties in their lives. Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry wherein the identity of those receiving care and everything they discuss with a Stephen Minister remains private.

A Stephen Minister..

Is a Christian who walks beside someone who is hurting.
Is a WACC member who is carefully selected to serve in this role because of his or her caring gifts.
Completes 50 hours of training in providing high-quality, distinctively Christian care.
Listens, cares, prays, supports and encourages.

Meets faithfully each week with his or her care receiver for as long as there's a need.

Stephen Minister Training

Stephen Ministry Leaders are trained leaders in our congregation who support and direct our Stephen Ministry. WACC offers Stephen Minister training during the spring semester. An application and interview are required from each applicant. The training will consist of 50 hours and usually consists of two six-hour Saturday sessions, as well as evening sessions that meet for three hours every Monday until training is completed.

Stephen Ministers Care for People Facing Tough Times

We all experience challenges in life—times when we could benefit from care and support. Stephen Ministers can provide the emotional and spiritual care we need when faced with a crisis or difficulty such as:

Loss of a loved one
Hospitalization
Divorce or separation
Loneliness or discouragement
Spiritual crisis
Unemployment or a job crisis
A terminal illness
Incarceration
Aging
Birth, adoption, miscarriage, or infertility
A chronic illness
Relocation
Recovery after an accident or disaster
Many other life challenges