Detailed Description:

What is Stephen Ministry?

This interdenominational ministry is named after Stephen, the first deacon in the early Church commissioned by the apostles to care for the needs of believers (Acts 6:8).  Our congregation is a participating Stephen Ministry congregation.  What does this mean?  We are dedicated to helping and loving each other through difficult or troubling times.    This does not mean every situation is life or death.  There are countless situations that for whatever reason seem to cause someone more concern than they can handle by themselves.  They need a loving friend they can talk to in confidence.  But what makes this relationship so special is that we provide Christian caregivers.  Spiritual care giving allows God to provide the cure by using our trained Stephen Ministers as His faithful servants. 

What is a Stephen Minister?

Stephen Ministers are lay men and women from our own congregation who have developed their gifts by receiving 50 hours of training in how to provide distinctly Christian, one-to-one care to those suffering personal concerns or crisis.  Stephen Ministers come from all walks of life, age ranges, and backgrounds.  They are caring and sharing Christian friends who desire to walk beside you when you are hurting, who will really listen, offer resources and referrals if needed, and pray with you and for you.  Above all, they are dedicated disciples of Jesus Christ who are ready to offer the concern and care of Christ’s community to people in need. 

Stephen Ministers are not professional psychologists, counselors, or therapists.  They do not solve your problems.  But be assured, they are also not “casual” visitors who merely “drop-in” from time to time.  They will meet with their care receiver once per week for about one hour, listening and reflecting on the concerns the care receiver has for that week.  This is a vital part of the healing process for the care receiver. 

How are Stephen Ministers trained?

Stephen Ministers receive approximately 50 hours of training, based solidly on Biblical testimony and drawing from the best tools of the health and psychological sciences before beginning their care giving work.  The training topics are really “Practical Theology.”  Throughout their service, Stephen Ministers receive continuing education from local experts in a variety of related subjects. 

How does the Stephen Ministry referral 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, a friend, or a relative…always with the person’s permission. 

The Referrals Coordinator will call and meet with the person to talk about their situation and how the Stephen Ministry program can help them.  After filling out a permission form, the Referrals Coordinator assigns a Stephen Minister to meet on a weekly basis with the person.  The Stephen Minister will continue to provide distinctly Christian care for the person with the strictest confidentiality for as long as the person needs this care. 

What kinds of situations do Stephen Ministers encounter?

Stephen Ministers are trained to provide Christian care for any situation where professional care is not needed.  Situations can last from one month to two or more years.  Typically the caring relationship lasts 12 to 18 months.  You may need this kind of caring relationship if you have one or more of these concerns: 

• Are you confused about events in your life?
• Do you feel like you have lost control of your life and your problems?
• Do you doubt God’s presence and love for you?
• Are you hurting inside?
• Do your job worries seem to great to handle?
• Are you feeling lonely?  Do you wish you had someone to share your thoughts with in confidentiality?
• Have there been changes in your life over which you worry or that have caused readjustments in your lifestyle?
• Are you having difficulty making decisions and finding answers?
• Have you recently suffered a loss?
• Do you ever feel like you just want someone to listen?

Who can I talk to about getting a Stephen Minister?

You can talk to any past or active Stephen Minister.  However, our church currently has three trained Stephen Leaders assigned specifically to talk to potential care receivers:  Roberta Byram, our Associate Pastor, Paula Buckhalt, and Dudley Gwaltney.  (Please see the Contact section for detailed contact information.)  Rick Clayton, our Pastor, can also assist you if one of the above individuals cannot be reached. 

Most importantly, volunteers should possess an open heart that, in return, is filled with love by the people they assist. 

Spiritual Gifts:
Compassion, discernment, exhortation, faith, healing, helping, servanthood, wisdom

(Spiritual gift source:  UMC.org - http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=1&mid=2164 )