Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
–Galatians 6:2
Stephen Ministry equips lay people to provide one-to-one, same gender, confidential Christian care to people in our congregation and community who are experiencing challenges in their life. This could include difficulties such as loneliness, grief, aging, divorce, chronic illness, unemployment and many other life challenges. We invite you to prayerfully consider the opportunity to apply
to serve as a Stephen Minister. Training classes will start this Fall, depending on interest.
To sign up, contact Delia at deliawilliams@bethelfc.com or 701.730.1956.
Stephen Ministry
equips and empowers lay caregivers—called Stephen Ministers—to provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to individuals experiencing difficulties or transitions in their lives.
Stephen Ministers
care for people facing tough times. We all experience challenges in life – times when we could benefit from care and support.
Stephen Ministry can provide the emotional and spiritual care we need when faced with a crisis or difficulty such as:
Loss of a Loved One
Divorce or Separation
Chronic Illness
Hospitalization
Discouragement
Aging
Unemployment or Job Crisis
Birth, Adoption, or Infertility
Recovery after an accident or disaster
Spiritual Crisis
Relocation
Loneliness
Many Other Life Struggles
Interested in receiving care?
Please fill out an application to receive care.
Become a Stephen Minister
How much of my time will be required as a Stephen Minister?
The initial training involves approximately 50 hours. After completing training, you may be matched with a same gender individual for whom you are caring (a Care Receiver). You can expect to meet with your Care Receiver up to one time per week for one hour until the relationship closes. You will also be expected to attend one 60 – minute accountability group meeting per month for support and ongoing opportunities to learn new, updated information.
Will my phone be ringing constantly?
Typically, each Stephen Minister works with one Care Receiver at a time. Stephen Minister training will assist you in managing phone calls or excessive demands in a loving, and assertive manner.
Will our pastors and ministry leaders still minister to and counsel people?
Most definitely! Your caring relationship supplements what our ministry leadership team continues to do.
What if I get in “over my head?” For instance, with a person who threatens suicide?
The Stephen Series training helps you know when and how to request professional help and close a relationship. The ongoing support of your accountability group, the Stephen Leaders, and Bethel Church Care Ministry are also available to help you make decisions.
How will I personally benefit from this experience?
You will learn many invaluable skills to impact in your personal life in a positive manner as well as to you as a Stephen Minister. The fulfillment of helping another person is a blessing almost impossible to describe.
Who will be the care receivers?
Individuals within Bethel Church or our community who are experiencing times of special need who turn to us for help. Stephen Ministry is a way to reach out to others as well as to those in the Bethel Church community.
What if the care receiver doesn’t really want me to help?
A Stephen Leader will handle the initial details, and the Care Receiver will agree to meet with you and will be expecting your first contact.
Are other people as scared as I seem to be about this undertaking?
Probably so! The training will eliminate much of this fear because you will not only learn “what to say,” but more importantly, “how to listen.”
How do I apply?
Complete a Stephen Minister Application (available online here or pick one up in person at the Bethel Church Office) and return it to Pastor Craig Johnson, 2702 30th Ave S, Fargo, ND 58103.
Meet Our Team
Craig Johnson
Disciple-Making and Care Pastor
Dawn Chamberlain
Administrative Assistant to Care and Disciple-Making Ministries
Delia Williams
Care Ministry Chaplain and Stephen Ministry Leader
Connie Peterson
Care Ministry Chaplain
Bob Possen
Care Ministry Chaplain