Dallas, Texas—On Saturday, September 12, the Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta will be hosting a regional, cross-denominational celebration and learning event by Stephen Ministries, the international Christian educational nonprofit best known for the Stephen Ministry system of lay caregiving.
The Stephen Ministries 50th Anniversary Celebration and Learning Event hosted by Cathedral of Christ the King will be held on Saturday, September 12, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. On-site check-in begins at 8 a.m. The cost is $15 per person, and a box lunch can be purchased for an additional $12. To learn more and register yourself or a group, visit:
stephenministries.org/celebrateATL
The event, part of Stephen Ministries’ 50th anniversary tour, is open to the general public and features presentations on topics such as grief, what Jesus teaches us about empathy, caring for full-time caregivers, cancer ministry, expanding congregational care through Stephen Ministry and how churches can help combat the mental health crisis. Stephen Ministries’ founder, Dr. Kenneth C. Haugk, and other members of the organization’s teaching faculty will be speaking at the event.
Stephen Ministries was founded in 1975 by Haugk, a pastor and clinical psychologist. During the half-century since, the organization’s resources have been used by tens of thousands of congregations worldwide, representing more than 190 Christian denominations. Through Stephen Ministry in particular, more than 600,000 people have been trained as lay caregivers and they in turn have provided care to millions of hurting people.
To mark 50 years of ministry, Stephen Ministries is conducting a nationwide tour of celebration and learning events. The tour began in St. Louis in August 2025 and will continue throughout 2026 and into 2027, with additional stops planned in Washington, D.C., New Jersey, Dallas, San Diego and more. The theme of the tour is “Building a More Caring World,” which reflects Stephen Ministries’ vision to help all people care and relate with greater compassion and excellence. In addition, Stephen Ministries is introducing a new initiative for helping congregations combat the mental health crisis.
“Atlanta is blessed to welcome Dr. Haugk and the Stephen Ministries team,” says Monsignor Francis McNamee, rector of the Cathedral of Christ the King, which has hosted a Stephen Ministry team for thirty-eight years. “The Cathedral has supported hundreds of struggling Atlantans using the Stephen Ministry model. I truly believe it has a ministry of presence, of walking with people in their difficulties. This is a wonderful opportunity for Atlanta to learn how to accompany people in their most challenging moments.”
Spots are limited. For additional details or questions, call the Stephen Ministries office at (314) 428-2600.