- A child of God who walks beside a person who is hurting
- A congregation member with gifts for caregiving, who was carefully selected to serve in this role
- A lay person who has received 50 hours of training in providing emotional and spiritual care
- A caring Christian friend who listens, cares, prays, supports and encourages
- Someone who will “be there” for his or her care receiver, meeting faithfully for about an hour each week, for as long as there’s a need.
Stephen Ministers are members of the congregation who have the gifts of compassion, listening, and encouragement. They complete 50 hours of training and are commissioned into service by the congregation. A trained Stephen Minister is paired with a care receiver of the same gender for approximately two years to provide crisis care and/or followup care as the need requires.
People often ask, “What exactly is a Stephen Minister?” One way to put it is that Stephen Ministers are the After People .
Stephen Ministers are there:
After the phone call you hoped you’d never get.
After the divorce papers are served, and the bottom falls out of your life.
After the funeral, when everyone has left, and the emotions you’ve held at bay come crashing in on you.
After the doctor says, “I’m sorry, but there’s nothing more we can do.”
After the nursing home director shakes your hand and says, “Welcome to your new home.”
After the last child honks the horn, waves, and drives away-and the house suddenly seems empty.
After the gavel goes down, the handcuffs go on, and your loved one is led away.
After the baby arrives, demanding more of you than you ever dreamed possible.
After you find a pink slip with your final paycheck.
After your family and friends have heard your story one too many times, but you still need to talk it out.
Stephen Ministers are the “After People.” They are ready to come alongside you-or your friends, neighbors, coworkers, or relatives – and provide comfort and support for as long after as needed.
Stephen Ministry Contacts
Wally Kukuk, Stephen Leader and Pastor for Care
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
330-688-6935
Betty Walker, Stephen Leader
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Linda Poje, Stephen Leader
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Stephen Ministers
Active: Linda Edmiston, Ken Foglesong, Wally Kukuk, Louise Mulligan, Linda Poje, John Shirlock, Betty Walker, Tom Winfrey
Retired/Resting: Ann Bell, Mary Butcher, Tom Edmiston, Nancy Jaekle, Maribeth Lieberth, Pat Lukens, Sarah Smith
In Memoriam: Dan Schrack
