History
Stephen Ministry began in 1975 when the Rev. Kenneth C. Haugk, PhD, a pastor and clinical psychologist, saw a need in his church to have trained congregational members who could give long term assistance in the form of quality Christian care. He developed a comprehensive training program called the Stephen Series, which has been extremely successful and widely used. More than 10000 congregations representing 100 different Christian denominations from all over the world are enrolled in the Stephen Series. Over 450,000 people have been trained as Stephen Ministers in their congregations. WCPC began its participation in the program in 1997.

Training
Prospective Stephen Leaders are selected by a Pastor and commissioned after completing an intensive one-week, full time training program given by professionals in the Stephen Ministry organization. Such programs are offered several times each year in various cities around the country. These leaders are then qualified to train new Stephen Ministers in their home churches. Stephen Minister candidates are interviewed by a Stephen Leader and a Pastor and are commissioned after completing a 50-hour training program spread over a period of about 13 weeks. They must agree to serve at least two years, but many serve longer.

Important Facts
Stephen Ministers are trained Christian caregivers, but not counselors. Their primary role is to listen and show concern, not to counsel or advise. Their ministry is supervised via twice monthly meetings with Stephen Leaders and other Stephen Ministers to ensure that they are providing quality care for their care receivers. Stephen Ministry is confidential. A Stephen Minister is assigned a care receiver by a coordinator. Only the individual Stephen Minister and the coordinator know the identity of the care receiver. Ministry to a care receiver is terminated when the need no longer exists.