Our Stephen Ministry program is one ways we reach out in caring for others.  This lay ministry is a part of Stephen Ministries based in St. Louis, Missouri and is a one-on-one caring opportunity provided to anyone who is dealing with some kind of life disruption.  Needs can range from a serious illness to grieving a death, to loss of a job, or divorce, among many reasons.  Sometimes a life change can be as simple as moving into a new community and not yet “fitting in”.  In any of these or other events in life, Stephen Ministers are here to walk with a person, one-on-one, as they go through the emotions they are feeling.  Stephen Ministers are not there to judge or to fix but simply to be present – a listening ear, an understanding heart.  They are also not there to “push” any religious belief on a care receiver but to follow the model of Jesus as accepting and loving of all mankind.

 

All Stephen Ministers received extensive education including much practice in the care giving process.  Our small team of Stephen Ministers at FUMC meets regularly for continuing education and to support each other in their caring assignments.  They hone their care giving skills while maintaining strict confidentiality in all their dealings.

 

Stephen Ministries was founded in 1975 by Rev. Kenneth C. Haugk, Ph.D., a pastor and clinical psychologist.  Stephen Ministry is now in more than 12,000 congregations from more than 170 Christian denominations, in all 50 states, 10 Canadian provinces, and 29 other countries.  More than one-and-a-half million people have received care from a Stephen Minister in a formal one-to-one Stephen Ministry caring relationship, and millions more have been touched by Stephen Ministry in informal ways.

 

You can find out more about Stephen Ministries by going to their website or by talking with any of our local Stephen Ministers or Stephen Leaders.