Christ Caring for People through People

"Love one another ... as I have loved you." John 13:34

Our Stephen Ministry program equips lay persons to provide distinctively Christian, one-to-one care to anyone in our congregation or community who is going through a difficult time and in need of support from a Christian friend.

"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion." Colossians 3:12

Stephen Ministry - Meeting the Needs of People

There are times when each of us needs the care of another person...a Christian friend...a Stephen Minister.  If you are dealing with any of the following challenges in your life, please contact us so that we can help:

• Hospitalized
• Terminally ill and their families
• Moving into or out of our community
• Grieving a death or serious loss
• Homebound and institutionalized
• Prisoners, ex-offenders and their families
• In job crisis
• Aging and elderly
• Disabled (and their families)
• Needing the support of a Christian friend
• Facing life transitions
• Separated or divorced
• Experiencing birth or adoption
• In spiritual crisis

"Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2

Stephen Ministry Multiplies Our Christian Caregiving And Outreach

Our Stephen Ministers work together with our pastors to reach more people with Christian care than pastors can by themselves. People who receive care from a Stephen Minister:

• Receive quality Christian care,
• Deepen their relationship with their Lord,
• Grow in their desire to participate in Christian community,
• Come to value ministry from another lay person, while continuing contact with the pastor.

Stephen Ministry enhances MPPC's outreach by:

• Creating a caring ministry outreach, where many are offering God's love and care in intentional, systematic ways;
• Enabling our entire congregation to grow as a warm, loving, nurturing community, where people are cherished and cared for in Jesus Christ;
• Identifying our congregation to our community as a place where people's needs are taken seriously.

"Encourage one another and build one another up." 1 Thessalonians 5:11

About the Leaders of Our Congregation's Stephen Ministry

Stephen Leaders are pastors, church staff, and volunteers who have completed Stephen Series Leader's Training, and are commissioned by our congregation.

How You Can Support Our Congregation's Stephen Ministry

• Pray for our Stephen Leaders and Stephen Ministers as they provide Christian care to others.
• Pray for all who are receiving confidential care through the Stephen Ministry .
• Tell Stephen Leaders about those who might benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister. Be sure to get that person's permission first.
• Tell others in our community about the availability of MPPC's Stephen Ministry, and the care it can provide.
• Receive Stephen Ministry support when you are in need of Christian care.

How You Can Contact our Stephen Ministry

• Call our Hotline at 650.330.7516
• Email us
• Click here if you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister

John Ortberg Interview

Amity Haugk – daughter of Stephen Ministry founder Kenneth C. Haugk -- recently visited Menlo Park Presbyterian Church to learn more about Stephen Ministry in Menlo Park. Highlights of her interview with Senior Pastor John Ortberg are available at this link.

One-on-One Support

Stephen Ministry Story