St. John Lutheran Church
Stephen Ministry
What is Stephen Ministry?
Our congregation's Stephen Ministry equips lay people to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to individuals in our congregation and community who are experiencing difficulties in their lives.
A Stephen Minister Is ...
  • A child of God who walks beside a person who is hurting
  • A congregation member with gifts for caregiving, who was carefully selected to serve in this role
  • A lay person who has received 50 hours of training in providing emotional and spiritual care
  • A caring, Christian friend who listens, cares, prays, supports, and encourages
  • Someone who will "be there" for his or her care receiver, meeting faithfully for about an hour each week, for as long as there's a need.
"Bear one another's burdens, and in this 
way you will fulfill the law of Christ"
Galatians 6:2
Stephen Ministers Care For People Facing Tough Times
We all experience challenges in life--times when we could benefit from the support of a caring Christian friend. Stephen Ministers are ready to 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 crises
  • 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
  • And many more


Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry: The identity of those receiving care and what takes place in each caring relationship remains private.

"Love one another--as I have loved you."
John 13:34
St. John Lutheran Church
919 N. Columbia Ave. 
Seward, NE 68434
(402) 643-2983
sjcstaff@connectseward.org