Stephen Ministry is . . .
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.
- Christ caring for people through people.
"Love one Another . . . . as I have loved you."
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.
Stephen Ministry Vision . . .
Providing confidential Christian care to people who are in need and hurting.
Stephen Ministry Mission . . .
- Maintain a high quality distinctively Christian Lay Ministry, serving the Suntree United Methodist Church community, of trained Stephen Ministers who are equipped to help people experience the love of Christ on a confidential one-to-one basis when they are hurting, troubled or in need of loving Christian care.
How it works . . .
- Our Stephen Ministers work together with our pastor(s) to reach more people with Christian care than pastors can reach by themselves, which multiplies our Christian caregiving and outreach.
Who provides leadership for our Stephen Ministers?
Stephen Ministers who . . .
- Are lay persons from our church community
- Have completed a seven-day extensive Stephen Series Leaders Training Course.
- Are commissioned by our Pastor to lead the Stephen Ministry of our congregation.
And . . .
- Help you or someone you know receive care from a Stephen Minister;
- Tell you how to become a Stephen Minister;
- Tell you about Stephen Ministry training and our next training class;
- Answer other questions about our congregation's Stephen Ministry program.
How do people who receive care from a Stephen Minister benefit?
They . . .
- 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.
Interested in serving . . . Contact Alice Kirk - Referrals Coordinator at 255-5984 for:
- Additional Information
- Stephen Minister application form
- Contact with a Stephen Leader
"Put on then, as
God's chosen ones, holy and beloved,
compassion."
Colossians
3:12