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Faith Lutheran and Bidwell Presbyterian are preparing to offer a new Stephen Ministry training course. Stephen Ministry is an excellent program in which trained lay people provide one-to-one distinctively Christian care to individuals who are hurting. We help people going through difficulties such as grief, major illness, job loss, natural disaster, divorce, spiritual struggles, compassion fatigue, parenting, financial crisis, gender/orientation and more.  

During weekly meetings, Stephen Ministers help their care receivers connect with God’s love and grace by listeniing non-judgmentally and providing emotional and spiritual support, encouragement and prayer. Our ministry is free and confidential. We do not provide services such as transportation, errands, meals, etc.    

Stephen Minister candidates are interviewed and must complete 50 hours of training before being commissioned, We then take part in supervision and continuing education two evenings a month. We ask for a two-year commitment but find most Stephen Ministers stay on for years because they get as much out of the ministry as their Care Receivers. Stephen Ministers also develop a camaraderie with their peers and the Stephen Leaders that is spiritually and relationally rewarding.    

You can learn more about this wonderful ministry on the Becoming a Stephen Minister page at stephenministries.org and by contacting Jamie at 530-321-7855 or Graham at 530-966-5757 or Pastor Ben at 530-895-3754.