Stephen Ministry

Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2, NRSV).

Saint Martin’s Stephen Ministry

Everyone faces periods of crisis, transition, or difficulty.  During these times a caring relationship with someone who will faithfully listen, empathize, pray with and for them, and encourage them with Christ’s love and care can be a tremendous benefit.

What can pastors and congregations do to meet the ever-growing need for such care?  Empowering well-chosen, trained, and supervised laypeople called Stephen Ministers is an answer that St. Martin’s chose over 30 years ago. It was and is a natural, highly effective, and thoroughly biblical way to meet the growing needs for care within a congregation or to reach out with Christ’s love to hurting people who have no church home. St. Martin’s currently has 22 trained Stephen Ministers who have engaged in 50 hours of training in Christian caregiving and have continuing education to further enhance their skills.  Stephen Minister’s care doesn’t replace a pastor’s care; it complements and expands the pastor’s care. Also, Stephen Ministers provide confidential one-to-one Christ-centered care to hurting people in our congregation and community.  Men are paired with men, women with women.

Please contact the St. Martin’s church office (512-476-6757) to leave a number if you have a need or know someone who has a need for a caring relationship that can be short term or for however long is needed.  One of the Stephen Ministry Leaders: Becky Montgomery, Deb Johnson, Connie Grosskopf will return your call

Stephen Ministers 2019
St. Martin’s Ev. Lutheran Church

Front Row- Fred Aus, Kathy Edgar, Dodie Brown
Back Row- Sally Gavin, Carol Bockhorn, Tim Fackler

The new Stephen Ministers were installed on Sunday, May 19.  They have completed 50 hours of training in christian caregiving.  They join their fellow Stephen Ministers at St. Martin that provide love, support and caring presence to those in need.

Testimonies from the new Stephen Ministers:

Fred Aus– The Stephen Ministry Training has prepared me far better than I could  have hoped, to become  a Stephen Minister. This is due to my fellow trainees, from whom I have learned a great deal and whom I know I can count on for support going forward.
Kathy Edgar– Stephen Ministry is a valuable connection for those in need to be ministered to by a caring Christ-Filled caregiver.
Dodie Brown– I am honored and humbled to be a part of this amazing work and will pray that I can be an instrument worthy for those needing care.
Sally Gavin– I look forward to being a caregiver and sharing the skills I have learned including the gift of listening.
Carol Bockhorn– I’ve been interested in serving as a Stephen Minister for years but now the timing seemed right.  I’m so glad I accepted to invitation to join.
Tim Fackler– I will care for you.  I will point to hope, the of cross and resurrection. I will give thanks for you and with you.  Together let us say Amen.