Stephen Ministry

The Caring of Faith in Action 

Paul urged all Christians to “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). 

Caring Connections Training 2025

Save the Date! Fall 2025 Stephen Ministry Course

Caring Connections, a Stephen Ministry-based training course, has been helping RPC members become better listeners and caregivers since 2004. Planning is in the works for our twelfth offering, now open to all who wish to explore and improve skills to serve as compassionate caregivers. The 8-week program begins with a September Saturday retreat and ends before Thanksgiving. Those interested in becoming a Stephen Minister should definitely take the course, which includes additional sessions in 2026. Classes will be led by our clergy and RPC Stephen Leaders. For more information and to register, contact Debbie Zingg, or reach out to Becky Ruegger or Mary Versfelt. 

WHAT IS STEPHEN MINISTRY? 

At RPC one way we fulfill the call to bear each others burdens is through our Stephen Ministry program ─ a caring ministry which has helped numerous members of our church and the local community cope with a variety of issues.

WHAT DO STEPHEN MINISTERS DO?

Stephen Ministers offer caring Christian friendship and concerned listening to people when they need it most.  Our caring ministry has helped those struggling with various trials of life including the death of a loved one, divorce, illness, unemployment, an empty nest, stresses of a move, and many other challenging issues.

HOW HAS STEPHEN MINISTRY HELPED?

The benefits of Stephen Ministry are nicely illustrated in a quote from one of the more than 130+ individuals who have benefited from the program.  “Having the Stephen Ministries in my life has made a very difficult time much easier to navigate through.  Keep up the good work!” 

HOW ARE STEPHEN MINISTERS TRAINED?

Members of our congregation who become Stephen Ministers are given hours of training to learn to be thoughtful, confidential caregivers.  Stephen Ministers learn skills to connect with compassion and to listen deeply to people who are hurting.  They are strongly committed to maintaining confidentiality of those they care for.

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A STEPHEN MINISTER?

If you are interested in information about becoming involved in Stephen Ministry, please contact Stephen leader Becky Ruegger.

INTERESTED IN RECEIVING CONFIDENTIAL CARE FROM A STEPHEN MINISTER?

For Stephen Ministry help for you or someone you care about, please contact one of the RPC pastors or Stephen Ministry Referral Coordinator, Becky Ruegger.