Stephen Ministry

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

Stephen Ministers are members of the St. Margaret’s community who are trained to provide confidential care to those experiencing life challenges, including:

  • Family or friend illnesses
  • Family crises
  • Marital difficulties
  • Grief
  • Job loss or work challenges
  • New baby or empty nest adjustments

In private sessions that last about an hour, a Stephen Minister offers Christ-centered reflective listening to a person in need. Counseling is faith-based, but Stephen Ministers serve those of all faiths and spirituality.

Learn more about Stephen Ministers: The After People.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stephen Ministry is Christian faith based, but we are prepared to serve persons of other faiths with mutual respect for our respective prayer language and traditions

Stephen Ministers do not practice counseling or therapy.  Stephen Ministers offer reflective listening to their care receivers in shared spiritual centering 

Saint Margaret’s is an Enrolled Stephen Ministry Congregation, certified to provide training, commissioning, and oversight to our Stephen Ministers.  The training equips and empowers lay Stephen Ministry Care Givers to provide high quality care.  Using the Stephen Ministries training materials, Stephen Ministers complete an initial 40 hour training and study course and participate in regular supervision meetings.  Additional training occurs throughout their service time, according to the needs of the community they serve.

Yes 

Saint Margaret’s Episcopal Church, private Pastoral Care Room 

One hour, as frequently as weekly

There is no cost to the Care Receiver

Referrals are approved by Saint Margaret’s clergy.  Potential Care Receivers are consulted concerning a suitable match.

Stephen Ministry is designed to serve adults 18 years of age and older

Contact the church office at:  phone: 425-746-6650, or email: office@saintmargarets.org

Yes, our Saint Margaret’s Stephen Ministers serve all qualifying applicant referrals made through our clergy-referral

If you or someone you know would like to meet with a Stephen Minister, contact stephenministry