Stephen Ministers provide emotional and spiritual support and care to people who are going through a difficult time, such as divorce, grief, death of a loved one, illness, hospitalization, relocation, or loneliness.
If you are in need of support from the Stephen Ministry team, you can be matched with a Stephen Minister by calling the church office at (813) 689-4597. First Presbyterian has trained over 100 Stephen Ministers since 1989. (more information)
Interested in Becoming a Stephen Minister?
Do you have a heart for others? Are you willing to be a source of warmth, care and blessing to someone in need? Perhaps you have received care yourself and want to give back. Being a Stephen Minister is an opportunity to show the love of Christ to others in the community and show them that they are cherished and cared for even when life is challenging. Stephen Ministers go through an intensive training which covers topics such as effective listening, confidentiality, the stress of hospitalization, feelings and utilizing community resources. A confidential ministry; those receiving care can be assured that their identity and concerns will remain private. In addition to the initial training, these Christian lay caregivers will continue to receive twice-monthly continuing education and supervision support as they strive to offer the highest quality Christian care giving.
Training Classes to become a Stephen Minister are offered throughout the year at First Presbyterian Church of Brandon. Contact the office at 813 689-4597 to get more information about becoming a Stephen Minister.
History of Stephen Ministers at First Presbyterian Church of Brandon
First Presbyterian Brandon is one of 12,000 congregations representing 177 different Christian denominations from all 50 states, 10 Canadian provinces and 29 other countries that have implemented this program of lay Christian caregiving. First Presbyterian initially partnered with Stephen Ministry in 1989. Since that time 21 Stephen Leaders completed a seven-day Leader’s Training Course. The Leaders return to recruit and train other laypersons in the skills of Christian care giving. To date 115 Stephen Ministers have been trained at First Presbyterian.
First Presbyterian Church of Brandon Celebrates 35 Years of Stephen Ministry
Brandon, FL – It was a joyful occasion at First Presbyterian Church of Brandon as the congregation gathered on November 2nd 2025 All Saints’ Day to celebrate 35 years of Stephen Ministry—a caring ministry that has touched countless lives within the church and beyond.
The celebration included a special visit from Rev. Paul Reiter, who helped organize and launch Stephen Ministry at First Presbyterian more than three decades ago. Rev. Reiter shared memories of the ministry’s beginnings and reflected on how this program has strengthened the church’s commitment to compassionate care and Christian service.
Over the years, 115 Stephen Ministers and 21 leaders have been trained at First Presbyterian Church of Brandon, each one equipped to provide confidential, one-on-one care to individuals experiencing life’s challenges. The ministry’s impact continues to extend far beyond the church walls—into families, neighborhoods, workplaces, and the wider community.
Stephen Ministers are trained laypeople who offer confidential, Christ-centered care to individuals experiencing difficult seasons of life. They walk alongside those who are grieving a loss, facing illness, adjusting to a major life change, struggling with family or relationship challenges, or simply feeling overwhelmed and in need of someone to listen and pray with them. Their ministry brings comfort, hope, and a steady presence during times when life feels uncertain. If you or someone you know is going through a difficult time, you are invited to contact the church office to be connected with a Stephen Minister who can provide confidential support and care.
“We are deeply grateful for all those who have served as Stephen Ministers over the past 35 years,” said church leader Dawn Trattner. “Their faithful presence, listening ears, and caring hearts embody Christ’s call to love one another.”
The congregation also expressed gratitude to those who traveled from near and far to join the celebration, honoring the enduring spirit of care that defines the Stephen Ministry program.
For more information about Stephen Ministry or other ministries at First Presbyterian Church of Brandon, please visit fpcbrandon.org or contact the church office at (813) 689-4597.
