Stephen Ministry
You don’t have to walk through difficulties alone. Stephen Ministry offers a caring, confidential, Christ‑centered presence for anyone in our church or community who is facing a difficult season. Whether you’re grieving, overwhelmed, discouraged, or simply in need of someone who will truly listen, a Stephen Minister will walk with you, one‑to‑one, with compassion and without judgment.
Stephen Ministers are trained lay caregivers who provide high‑quality, confidential Christian care. Every conversation is private. Every meeting is centered in prayer, hope, and the love of Christ.
What Is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry is a way our congregation equips everyday people to offer high‑quality, confidential, Christ‑centered care to those who are hurting. Stephen Ministers are trained lay caregivers who walk alongside individuals facing difficult seasons, offering a listening ear, steady support, prayer, and the hope we have in Christ.
At Hope Lutheran Church, Stephen Ministers companion people through challenges such as grief, illness, job loss, divorce, caregiving stress, or other life disruptions. You never have to face these struggles alone; compassionate, confidential Christian care is available.
Hope has been a Stephen Ministry congregation since April 22, 1988, faithfully serving our church and community for nearly four decades.
Scripture reminds us of the heart of this ministry:
"Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2
Who We Serve
We all experience challenges in life - times when we could benefit from care and support. Stephen Ministers can provide emotional and spiritual care during situations such as:
Loss of a loved one
Serious illness or hospitalization
Divorce or separation
Job loss or financial stress
Loneliness or discouragement
Caregiver fatigue
Major life transitions
Spiritual struggles
Incarceration
Aging
Birth, adoption, miscarriage, or infertility
Recovery after an accident or disaster
Many other life challenges
If your situation isn’t listed, we are still here for you
If you are unsure whether Stephen Ministry is right for your situation, we encourage you to reach out. We are glad to talk with you.
What You Can Expect
Confidentiality
Everything you share with your Stephen Minister is kept strictly confidential. Your name and details of your situation are not discussed outside the caring relationship.
One-to-One Care
You will meet privately with a trained Stephen Minister; someone who listens, supports, prays, and walks with you without judgment.
Christ-Centered Support
Stephen Ministers rely on prayer, Scripture, and a compassionate and empathetic presence, always pointing to the hope we have in Christ.
Care at Your Pace
Care continues as long as it is helpful. There is no cost and no pressure, just a steady companion in a difficult time.
Stories of Care
Real people, real care, real hope:
Walking Through Grief
“After my husband passed away, my Stephen Minister became a steady presence in my life. She listened without judgment, prayed with me, and reminded me that God had not forgotten me. I never felt pressured—just cared for.”
Support in a Health Crisis
“During my cancer treatments, my Stephen Minister met with me regularly. He didn’t try to ‘fix’ things, he just showed up, listened, and prayed. Knowing someone from my church was walking with me made all the difference.”
Former Stephen Minister Chris Riggs - Why I Served
Pastor Josh LeBorious
Email: jleborious@hope-lutheran.org
Phone: 281-482-7943
Steve Huning
Email: stevehuning@gmail.com
Phone: 346-837-6065
Request Care
If you or someone you know could benefit from a Stephen Minister, we invite you to contact our Stephen Ministry Leaders. Your request is confidential and only seen by our Stephen Ministry leaders.
Become a Stephen Minister
Stephen Ministers are congregation members who receive extensive training to provide emotional and spiritual care. They are not counselors or therapists, but caring Christian friends who walk alongside those who are hurting.
Why Serve as a Stephen Minister?
Grow deeper in your faith and reliance on Christ
Learn practical, life-giving skills in listening and care
Make a meaningful difference in another person’s life
Serve as part of a supportive caregiving team at Hope
The Stephen Minister Training Experience
Training & Next Steps
Stephen Ministers receive training in listening, confidentiality, prayer, boundaries, and Christian caregiving
Next training class will begin 14 September 2026
To learn more, contact Pastor Josh or one of our Stephen Ministry leaders
If you feel God nudging you toward this ministry, we’d love to talk with you
"Therefore encourage one another and build up each other." 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Meet Our Stephen Ministry Team
Updated photo in work
Learn More About Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministry is a not-for-profit Christian educational organization based in St. Louis, Missouri.
Founded in 1975, Stephen Ministries provides training and resources to thousands of congregations and organizations worldwide.