I think that they have a website. The ministry is interdenominational, and I think wonderful. A rite of healing is practiced. The new Evangelical Lutheran Woship book has a healing rite on pages 276-78. Lutherans see unction as a rite not as a sacrament and/or sacramental practice. Go for it. Richard

It's a good idea to get someone in the congregation on board who has some expertise in crisis counseling, therapy or other "people" discipline. One of the ELCA churches in my area has a great Stephen Ministry team, and part of that is due to the coordinator's experience as a hospice director.

Yes, my congregation has a Stephen Ministry program.  My brother (who's name happens to be Stephen coincidentally) joined the program.  It does take many hours of training to complete the program. I know of many in our church who have benefitted from the program as well.  I think it is a very worthwhile endeavor.

Hi malanga,

From the website:

"The Stephen Series is a complete system for training  and organizing lay people to provide one-to-one Christian care to hurting people in and around your congregation.

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) in the congregation. In Stephen Ministry congregations, lay caregivers (called Stephen Ministers) provide one-to-one Christian care to the bereaved, hospitalized, terminally ill, separated, divorced, unemployed, relocated, and others facing a crisis or life challenge. Stephen Ministry helps pastors and congregations provide quality caring ministry for as long as people need it."

http://www.churchofthemaster.com/stephen.htm

this is a link to a local Lutheran church (Omaha Nebraska) that has a very active one...

this link also helps explain what these people do.

you may try calling/emailing someone at this congregations