Stephen Ministers

Our Stephen Ministers are available to those suffering bereavement, illness, or other personal crises for prayer and support. To arrange for a visit from a Stephen Minister, call the church office at 623.974.3605 or coordinator Rev. Dr. David Glenn Walker at 623.977.0930.

Advice to Stephen Ministers in training, by The Rev. Kenneth C. Haugk, founder:

Hurts don’t go away because you wish them away or reason them away. In fact, nothing you as a caregiver can do will miraculously remove the pain. That’s God’s terrain. So don’t expect that you will be able to provide just what the person needs to make it all better. You have been called to fulfill a role that is much more attainable – walking with the person, sharing and being Christ’s love and compassion. When you do that, you will be making a significant difference in the suffering person’s life.
∼in Don’t Sing Songs to a Heavy Heart

When silence fills the room, remember that God is beneath and within the silence, radiating his love. You are always there as God’s emissary of love. You can speak in love, you can listen in love, and you can simply be with the other person in love.
∼in Don’t Sing Songs to a Heavy Heart

Your presence is worth much, much more than words. Your presence communicates to the other that he or she is valued, precious, beloved. Your presence brings not only the gift of yourself into the relationship but also, in and through you, the gift of God.
∼in How to Relate to Those Who Are Suffering

One of First Presbyterian’s Stephen Ministers is prepared to spend some time with you!

If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, contact Gene Downing at 623.933.0642 or Rev. Dr. David Glenn Walker at 623.977.0930. Stephen Ministers meet the first and third Monday of every month at 2:00 pm in Annex 3.