The Stephen Series provides congregations with the structure, training, and resources to set up and administer a complete system for lay caring ministry, called “Stephen Ministry”.  The Stephen Ministers provide one-to-one Christian care to the bereaved, hospitalized, terminally ill, separated, divorced, unemployed, relocated, and others facing a crisis of life challenge.  Stephen Ministers typically are assigned one care receiver at a time and meet with that person for about one hour each week.  Stephen Ministers usually serve for two years, which includes an initial 50 hours of training followed by twice-monthly supervision and continuing education sessions.  Stephen Ministry helps pastors and congregations provide quality caring ministry for as long as people need it.