Sometimes it takes more than a parka or a blanket to keep another person warm. Sometimes it takes the presence of a caring Christian friend.

Stephen Ministry is a lay ministry which compliments pastoral care and the work of the church staff. The focus of this ministry is to provide one-on-one care for individuals in need of support and Christian love. Trained Stephen Ministers reach out with compassion and learned skills to understand and care for those who are hurting; the lonely, the depressed and the grieving in the congregation and larger community.

Could a Stephen Minister Be Right for You?

“My Stephen Minister listened to me as no one else could at that point in my life. He was always there - listening, sharing Scriptures, praying with me. That was when I realized that God was still working in my life, Jesus was still saying 'yes' to me, and I was going to be okay.”

These are the actual words of Scott Robeson, who received care from a Stephen Minister when he was going through a divorce and who gave us permission to quote him by name. He resisted asking for help at first, but "a voice deep inside" challenged him to ask others for help.

• Do you feel a loss of God's presence?
• Do you question how God is working in your life?
• Are you experiencing a life situation that leads you to question whether or not you'll be okay?

Could you benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister?

Contact: Barb McDonald, 920-854-4390

Stephen Leaders at Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church

• George Cobb, team coordinator (920-839-2651)
• Sharon Cobb, training coordinator (920-839-2651)
• Tom McDonald, supervision coordinator and awareness-building coordinator (920-854-7364)
• Barb McDonald, referrals coordinator (920-854-4390)
• Keith Wickert, visitation coordinator (920-854-4390)

Stephen Ministers

• Cheri Boock
• David Boock
• Juan Casanas
• Kaye Christman
• Cliff Darken
• Jo Darken
• Gretchen Farwell
• Angela Foster
• Lorraine Hoyt
• Carol Stevenson

Consider serving as a Stephen Minister. For more information, please contact the church, (920)854-2988.

About the Logo

The Stephen Ministry logo consists of a cross and a circle, together with a broken person and a whole person. The broken person stands behind the cross, symbolizing the brokenness in our lives as a result of or sin. The whole person stands in front of the cross because it is through the cross of Jesus that we are again made whole. The circle symbolizes both the wholeness we receive through Christ and God's unending love for us.