GPBC Blog

"Share each other’s burdens, and in this way, obey the law of Christ."
— Galatians 6:2 (NLT)

Have you ever had a time in your life when everything seemed to be going smoothly, and then something happened that caused an unexpected "bump"? Maybe the event itself wasn’t surprising, but the emotions it stirred up caught you off guard. Sometimes, those emotions can feel heavy to carry alone. It’s in these moments that having someone to walk alongside us in a caring, Christ-centered way can make all the difference.

That’s what Stephen Ministry is all about.

I first learned about Stephen Ministry more than 30 years ago when GPBC was just beginning the program. At the time, I was working as a Nursing Home Administrator, and I knew that I was wired more for thinking than for feeling. A personality inventory had confirmed it—I was practical, analytical, and not naturally high in the empathy department. While this served me well in my profession, I recognized that it didn’t always help me in my relationships.

So when I heard that our church was starting a ministry focused on compassionate, Christ-centered listening, I signed up.

Through Stephen Ministry, I not only learned how to be a better listener but also developed skills that shaped the rest of my life. When I applied for a new job working in special education for my children’s school district, I listed my Stephen Ministry training on my resume. To my surprise, my future employer recognized the program and valued the skills I had gained through it—which helped me secure the position. Later, I returned to college and earned my Master’s in Social Work with a graduate certificate in Gerontology. Even as I worked as a Case Manager in Aging Services at Neighborhood House in Multnomah Village, I continued to be involved with Stephen Ministry, finding that the skills I had gained applied in every area of life.

Stephen Ministers aren’t counselors, therapists, or professional caregivers, but they are well-trained, supervised volunteers who provide high-quality, confidential, one-on-one care. They offer a listening ear, a compassionate heart, and a Christ-centered presence for those going through difficult seasons. Supervision and confidentiality are key aspects of the ministry, ensuring that those receiving care feel safe to share openly, knowing their stories remain private.

God has been faithful to lead me into countless situations where I’ve used what I’ve learned through Stephen Ministry, and I continue to grow every day. I might still be more of a “thinker” at heart, but I know that the Holy Spirit has shaped me into a more empathetic listener, blessing me in ways I never expected.

If you’re going through a challenging time and could use a caring presence to walk alongside you, Stephen Ministers are here to help. To learn more, email us at stephenministry@pdxchurch.org.