As part of its Spiritual Care Initiative, Lutheran Social Services of the South is training and commissioning Stephen Ministers at each of its senior retirement communities and children's residential treatment centers.

The Stephen Ministry is a program that equips lay people to provide Christian one-on-one confidential care to those who are experiencing difficult life situations. Those difficulties may include family problems, institutionalization, life transitions and loneliness.

Stephen Ministers offer a compassionate hand, ear and heart to those who ask to speak with a Stephen Minister.

The LSS spiritual care initiative is underwritten with a grant from Wheat Ridge Ministries. LSS is the first multi-site organization to implement
Stephen Ministry.

LSS staff and volunteers who wish to become Stephen Ministers go through a 25-week Stephen Minister training.