Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministry at CUMC

"Love one another as I have loved you." - John 13:34

Our congregation's Stephen Ministry equips lay people to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to individuals in our congregation and community who are experiencing difficulties in their lives. The identity of those receiving care and what takes place in each caring relationship remains private. Could you benefit from the confidential, one-to-one care and support of a Stephen Minister? Do you know someone who could benefit from this ministry? For more information, please contact Pastor Ted - 882-1549, Jackie - 371-0078, or Sylvia - 339-2856.

A Stephen Minister is...

• A child of God who walks beside a hurting person
• A caring Christian who really listens
• A member of our congregation who has received 50 hours of training in how to provide distinctively Christian care
• A person who is ready to focus on your needs
• A trust worthy confidant who will keep everything you say - and even your identity - confidential
• Someone who will faithfully meet with you on a weekly basis for as long as your need persists

• A counselor or therapist
• A problem-solver
• Someone who runs errands or helps with chores
• A casual visitor

Pastors will always be on the front lines of care, especially during times of crisis. But there are always many more needs for on-going, one-to-one care than pastors can effectively meet by themselves. Stephen Ministry provides a biblical solution - equipping God's people for ministry. Gifted lay people are trained to support and extend the care that pastors continue to provide. Stephen Ministers reach out with God's love to people who are hurting - both congregation members and non-members alike.

Stephen Ministers Care for People Facing Tough Times

• Grieving the death of a loved one
• Hospitalized or recovering from hospitalization
• Lonely or discouraged
• Coping with a terminal illness or caring for a family member with a terminal illness
• Unemployed or in a job crisis
• Disabled or caring for an ill or disabled family member
• Moving or relocating
• New to the congregation or the community
• Homebound or institutionalized
• Transitioning into retirement
• Dealing with the crisis of aging
• Facing a life transition
• Experiencing a spiritual crisis
• Victims of a disaster of accident