Stephen Ministry supports VCAC's vision to become a worshipping, growing and loving community that reflects the beauty of Jesus Christ to transform our community and the world.

Jesus said, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." John 13:34

At some points in life, everyone faces periods of crisis, transition, or difficulty. During these times people can receive great benefit from a caring relationship with someone who will faithfully listen, empathize, pray with and for them, and encourage them with Christ's love and care. With Stephen Ministry, people no longer have to go through crises and difficulties alone.

Our Stephen Ministry supports the following care:

• Crisis Care
• Follow up Care
• Chronic Long Term Care
• Preventive Care
• Supportive Care

Stephen Ministry provides quality one-on-one Christian care through empowering the laity. Our caring goal is to help the care receivers to discern any blockage in the conduits of God's grace and be able to hear and trust God more fully.

Who may need care?                                                                           

We live in a fast-paced and fragmented world. People suffer crises and tragedies, but they often don't have caregivers they can count on. When crisis or challenge hits, many people have no one to turn to and end up facing it alone.

• People who are hospitalized
• The grieving
• Those suffering discouragement or loneliness
• Those who are hurting
• People who are homebound or institutionalized
• Those who are dying - and their families and friends
• Those convalescing or rehabilitating
• New parents, Single parent
• Victims of natural or human-caused disasters
• Those in spiritual crisis

And the list goes on and on .....

Jesus said, ".. I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it for me." Matthew 25:40

How to refer someone to receive care from Stephen Ministry?           

If you sense someone is in need of care, you may mention to the person about Stephen Ministry and ask for permission to refer. You will then contact the pastor or the church office at 604-451-5449 or at vcac_care@yahoo.ca and leave your name and phone number or return email, the Stephen Ministry Coordinator will contact you shortly afterwards.

Our Stephen Ministers provide cares through listening, supporting, encouraging, praying, being dependable and maintaining confidentiality.

Wanting to become a Stephen Minister?                                               

To be a Stephen Minister, it is desirable to have the spiritual gifts of  teaching the faith, encouragement, nurturing leadership, mercy, wisdom, knowing and faith, referred in Romans 12:7-8, 1Corinthians 12:8-9.

Other desirable qualities are; good listener, comfortable to talk with, accepting, forgiving, trustworthy, able to maintain confidentiality.

You must be willing to commit to the 50 hours training program and adhere to the ministry guidelines.

" to prepare God's people for the work of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up." Ephesians 4:12

How to become a Stephen Minister at our church?                                 

If you have a heart for people who are in need and feel called to become a Stephen Minister at VCAC, please contact our church at 604-451-5449 or at vcac_care@yahoo.ca and leave your name and phone number or return email, the Stephen Ministry Coordinator will contact you shortly afterwards.

Application to Stephen Ministers Training Program                               

If you are prepared to commit to the Stephen Ministers Training Program, fill out the Stephen Minister Application Form and email as attachment to vcac_care@yahoo.ca or return it at the Info Counter.  A Stephen Ministry Coordinator will contact you shortly afterwards.