The Stephen Ministry is designed to serve the New Hope family. It equips lay persons to provide one on one Christian care to those who are experiencing all kinds of life needs and circumstances, both in our church and in our community. It is a confidential ministry: those receiving care may be sure that their identity and what goes on in the caring relationship will remain private.

To request a Stephen Minister, please email Pastor Sheldon at sheldon@newhopefortmyers.org.

Please include the name and phone number of the person in need. To refer someone else, you must have their permission and give us your name and phone number as well.

Everyone Goes Through Difficult Times.

Is life presently more than you alone can handle?
Are your health, your attitude, and/or your relationships suffering?
Are you adjusting to a new job, a change in marital status, a serious illness, the death of a loved one, or a recent move?
Maybe you don’t actually have a crisis, but would just like to talk about things.
Would you like to have someone in your life who really cares?

A Stephen Minister is a committed Christian who:

Expresses God’s care through his/her life to others

Is commissioned as a Stephen Minister after completing a fifty hour intensive course

Meets regularly with an individual and offers Christian support and care

Participates in support and supervision under the guidance of trained Stephen Leaders

Receives continuing education throughout years of service

Will preserve the confidentiality of the one-on-one relationship

Is called to be a Caregiver

God is the Cure Giver

A Stephen Minister will:

Share your burden

Provide distinctively Christian care

Listen, not judge

Prayerfully support you through your present situation

A Stephen Minister is not:

A counselor or a therapist

A problem solver

A casual visitor