Stephen Ministries

What is Stephen Ministry?

• One-to-One Ministry by a Trained, Caring, Friend
• confidential, Christian caregiving
• a vital part of the total healing ministry of Christ’s body, the Church

What is a Stephen Minister?

A Stephen Minister is:

• a child of God who walks beside a hurting person
• a caring Christian friend who really listens
• a lay person who has received 50 hours of training in how to provide distinctively Christian care

Who is helped by Stephen Ministry?

People who are:

• needing someone to talk to
• struggling with their faith in God
• discouraged, anxious, lonely
• coping with divorce, job loss, illness, or grief
• going through transition

How does Stephen Ministry Work at First United Methodist Church?

• Both men and women are trained as Stephen Ministers.
• They visit their care receivers regularly and dependably.
• They listen and offer Christian support and encouragement.
• They are committed to preserving the confidential nature of the caring relationship.

What other services are provided by Stephen Ministry?:

• Grief Recovery packets
• Weekly prayer request notes
• Fall and Spring Grief Recovery workshops
• The annual Blue Christmas/Longest Night service

Stephen Ministers receive 50 hours of training that covers such topics as:

• listening and feelings
• relationship building
• assertiveness training
• confidentiality
• crisis theory and intervention
• use of prayer and the Bible

What do I do if I know someone who could benefit from Stephen Ministry?

• Ask the person for permission to recommend him/her for Stephen Ministry.
• After receiving permission, notify one of the pastors or a Stephen Leader.

How long has Stephen Ministry been at FUMC?

Stephen Ministry was begun at FUMC in January 2005.

How many Stephen Ministers does FUMC currently have?

There are currently 22 trained Stephen Ministers in the congregation.

How can I receive a Stephen Minister or train to be a Stephen Minister?

Call one of the pastors or John Middleton or Tharon Kirk at 422-4002, or 660-4354 or e-mail Turn on JavaScript!.

Stephen Leaders at FUMC are:

• Jim Holmes
• Cecil Kirk
• Tharon Kirk
• Debra Owen
• Andrea Woods

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