 Stephen Ministry
What is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry is First United Methodist’s one-to-one care giving
ministry. Stephen Ministers serve God and respect others by providing
Christian care for those making a long journey through the valley of
crisis. Our Stephen ministers have an impact on people’s lives at times
when they really need someone to care. There’s a lot of work to do in
God’s kingdom. Care giving is one of the most important jobs God calls
us to do—to love others in his name. Our congregation’s Stephen Ministry
is one way we accomplish God’s caring work
How does the referrals process work?
A person – either you, a relative, or a friend – is hurting and in
need of Christian care.
The Stephen Ministry Referrals Coordinator learns about this need for
care –from the pastor, the person, or a friend, always with the person’s
permission.
The Referrals Coordinator meets with the person to talk about Stephen
Ministry.
With the person’s permission, the Referrals Coordinator assigns a
Stephen Minister to meet on a weekly basis with the person.
The Stephen Minister continues to provide distinctively Christian care
for the person in strict confidentiality.
STEPHEN MINISTRY IN OUR CONGREGATION……
Stephen Ministry is….
- A child of God who walks beside a hurting person;
- A caring Christian friend who really listens.
- A program of our congregation that equips lay persons to provide
distinctively Christian one-to-one care to those who are
experiencing all kinds of life needs and circumstances, both in our
congregation and community.
Stephen Ministry is NOT….
- A counselor or therapist;
- A problem-solver;
- A casual visitor.
Stephen Ministers are committed Christian people who…
Express God’s care through their lives to others
Receive 50 hours of initial training in important caring ministry
skills and concepts;
Are commissioned as Stephen Ministers after completing their initial
training;
Visit another person regularly and dependably and offer Christian
support and care;
Participate in regular support and supervision under the guidance of
trained Stephen Leaders;
Are committed to preserving the confidential nature of the caring
relationship;
Serve for at least two years;
Receive continuing education and skill building throughout their
years of service.
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion.”
Colossians 3:12
Stephen Ministry helps meet the needs of individuals who are…
- hospitalized;
- terminally ill and their families;
- homebound and institutionalized;
- new members of the church;
- in a job crisis;
- aging, elderly, or homebound;
- disabled and their families;
- lonely;
- facing life transitions;
- separated or divorced;
- experiencing birth or adoption;
- in spiritual crisis
- looking for a caring Christian friend.
Consider allowing a Stephen Minister to walk with you on your
journey to wholeness.
“Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Galatians 6:2
Multiplies Our Christian Caregiving and Outreach
Out Stephen Ministers work together with our pastor(s) to reach more
people with Christian care than pastors can reach by themselves.
People who receive care from a Stephen Minister-
- Receive quality Christian care,
- Deepen their relationship with their Lord,
- Grow in their desire to participate in Christian community,
- Come to value ministry from another lay person while continuing
contact with the pastor.
Stephen Ministry enhances our outreach by….
- Creating a “caring ministry explosion” where many instead of a
few are offering God’s love and care in intentional, systematic
ways.
- Enabling our entire congregation to grow as a warm, loving,
nurturing community where people are cherished and cared for in
Jesus Christ.
- Identifying our congregation to our community as a place where
people’s needs are taken seriously.
- “Encourage one another and build one another up.” 1
Thessalonians 5:11
- Stephen Ministry is confidential ministry: those receiving care
can be sure that their identity and what goes on in the caring
relationship will remain private.
- When you or someone you know is in need of care.
Stephen Ministers Are Called to Be Caregivers
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the
law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2
God Is the Curegiver
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you.
Psalm 55:22a
”Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you
rest.”
Matthew 11:28
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7
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