[1] The organization is named for St. Stephen, one of seven deacons appointed by the Apostles to distribute food and charitable aid to poorer members of the community in the early Church (Acts 6:5).

[3] Stephen Ministry curriculum provides a formal, structured introduction to human psychology and peer-to-peer counseling.

Curriculum materials, which draw on literature from pastoral counselors, Biblical scripture, theologians, and psychologists, cover such issues as assertiveness and honesty, healthy boundaries, confidentiality, and ways to proceed with referral to mental health professionals when appropriate.

Congregations which choose to participate in Stephen Ministry programming pay a fee to the central organization to cover the cost of intensive on-site training of lay leaders.

[5] After this initial training is completed, Stephen Ministers participate in twice-monthly peer-to-peer supervision meetings.