Stephen Ministry in the churches

[Ann Brandt]

Why is it that so many pastors (in my experience anyway) are so reluctant to support Stephen Ministry in their congregation? A church with lay ministers in the congregation is a more viable body. No pastor can possible keep up with all the demands of even a small congregation--getting to know people and their families, providing enouragement and validating their feelings during times of stress. Trained Stephen Ministers are not pastors or psychologists; they are Christian friends with listening hearts.