"Bear
one another's burdens,
and thus fulfill the law of Christ."
--Galatians 6:2
Stephen Ministry is. . .
a program St. Paul UMC has adopted to equip 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. If you are going through a difficult time in your life, we currently have a Stephen Minister available to walk beside you in a caring relationship.Stephen Ministers are committed Christian people who. . .
 | express God's care through their lives to
other
| 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 meets the needs of people...
during those times when each of us needs the care of another person, a Christian friend, a Stephen Minister! These needs include but are not limited to:
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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.
Stephen Ministers multiply our Christian caregiving and outreach by...
working together with our pastors to reach more people with Christian care than our 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. | |
Our congregation's Stephen Ministry leaders are...
| pastors
| lay persons who have completed a seven-day
Stephen Series Leader's Training Course and are commissioned to lead the
Stephen Ministry of our congregation. | |
Our congregation's Stephen Ministry leaders can. . .
| 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. | |
You can support our congregation's Stephen Ministry by:
| praying for our Stephen Leaders and Stephen
Ministers as they provide Christian care to others
| praying for all who are receiving confidential
care through the Stephen Ministry of our congregation
| telling Stephen Leaders about those who might
benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister. (Be sure to get that person's
permission first!)
| telling others in our community about the
availability of our congregation's Stephen Ministry and the care it can
provide
| receiving Stephen Ministry when you are in
need of supportive Christian care
| serving as a Stephen Minister
| supporting Stephen Ministry with your
financial gifts. | |
If you desire to meet with a Stephen
Minister or would like additional information about St. Paul's UMC Stephen
Ministry program,
Click Here
or call the church office at (904) 724-0022. Your information will be kept
confidential.
To link directly to the Stephen Ministries Web Site, click here.