By Heather Mustain
In every faith community, there are moments when life becomes overwhelming — when grief, illness, loss or loneliness casts long shadows. It is in these sacred spaces of pain and vulnerability that Stephen Ministry offers something deeply healing: a compassionate presence. Grounded in Christ’s call to love one another, Stephen Ministry equips laypeople to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to individuals facing life’s difficulties.
Stephen Ministers are not counselors, therapists or miracle workers. They are trained listeners — people who walk alongside others with empathy, offering support without judgment or advice. Their role is to be the hands and heart of Christ in a hurting world. Often, just having someone there to pray with, talk to and cry beside is enough to help someone feel less alone.
Commissioning new Stephen Ministers is a sacred event in the life of a congregation. It is both a celebration and a commitment. During the commissioning service, these lay caregivers are formally blessed and sent forth to serve, recognizing the months of training they’ve completed and the spiritual weight of the work they’re undertaking. It’s a powerful moment when the church says, “We see your calling, and we stand with you.”
Commissioning also reminds the whole church body of our shared responsibility to care. It highlights the ministry of presence — not just for those called to serve as Stephen Ministers, but for all of us as members of the body of Christ. Whether we are the ones offering care or receiving it, Stephen Ministry models how we are meant to live: in compassionate community.
Ultimately, Stephen Ministry is a quiet but profound expression of love in action. It brings light into dark places, not with grand gestures, but with consistent, Christ-centered compassion. And commissioning marks the beginning of that journey — the start of something holy.
Wilshire would not be who we are without the steady, faithful and quiet caregivers among us. Doing and being church is a communal witness to God’s faithful and unending love. So let me just say how thankful the staff is for each of you who walk alongside many, compassionately serving.