Stephen Ministry
"Stephen Ministry at New World United Methodist Church
is grounded in Jesus' command to love one another.
As a confidential caring ministry, we will live
out this command by bearing one another's burdens,
loving and listening in the name and grace of Christ'
through our work and deeds."
How does Stephen Ministry meet the needs of people?
Further Questions?
You may call Gordon Johnson at 817 460-4212 Ext. 716
We Care
God Cures
Stephen Ministry is a special Christian Ministry providing one-to-one encouragement for people
in transition. Through these caring relationships, Stephen Ministers, in love and care, reach out
to those who are hurting and in need of someone to walk with them during difficult circumstances.
Stephen Ministry is a Confidential Ministry:
Those receiving care can be sure that their identity and what goes on in the caring
relationship will remain private.
"Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ"
Galatians 6:2
What is a Stephen Minister?
A trained volunteer
A good listener
Trained in confidentiality
Supervised for quality care
Ready to offer God's love through a Christian caring relationship on a one-to-one basis.
Stephen Ministers are trained to deal with people who feel
'Life is more than I can handle alone right now.'
'My health, attitude and relationships are suffering.'
'I never thought I'd be through something like this.'
The Holy Spirit has given each of us gifts to use for God's glory. A Stephen Minister
is using those gifts in offering God's love to people who are suffering.
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Who are Stephen Ministers?
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 people 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 service.
Stephen Ministers are not professional psychologists, experts in law, medicine, or church doctrine, or social workers with access to extensive physical services. But neither are they superficial "visitors" who merely "drop in" from time to time.
"Therefore as God's chosen people, Holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion
kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."
Colossians 3:12
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How does Stephen Ministry meet the needs of people?
There are times when each of us needs the care of another person,
a Christian friend, a Stephen Minister! These life experiences include
but are not limited to...
the hospitalized
the aging and elderly
the terminally ill and their families
those with disabilities and their families
people who move into or out of our community
those grieving a death or serious loss
those needing the support of a Christian friend
the separated or divorced
those facing life transitions
the homebound and institutionalized
household experiencing birth or adoption
prisoners, ex-offenders and their families
those in spiritual crisis
those with job crisis
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Will Stephen Ministry replace the Pastoral ministry of our Pastors?
Absolutely not! The Stephen Ministry will instead expand pastoral ministry by providing more workers in the body of Christ. Care-giving is certainly a pastor's job, but often does not have enough time to minister to effectively to all of the needs of the congregation. Another part of the pastor's job is to "equip the saints"---to all of the members of the congregation---to provide this kind of care for one another. In so doing , the pastor greatly multiplies the care-giving that can be done.
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How are Stephen ministers Trained?
Stephen Ministers receive approximately fifty hours of training, drawing from Biblical, health and psychological tools before beginning their care-giving work. Topics include The Art of Listening, How to Use the Bible with Others, Confidentiality, Ministry of the Dying, Depressed, Older Persons, Grieving, etc. Throughout their service, Stephen Ministers receive continuing education in a variety of related subjects.
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What kind of commitment will I have to make as a Stephen minister?
Obviously, being a Stephen Minister will require a commitment of time and effort in the service of helping other people.
A two-year commitment is required, beginning one weekend a month for 5 consecutive months. Concluding with a commissioning service in early spring.
After commissioning, in addition to your service as a Stephen Minister, one meeting a month is required for care-giving supervision and continuing education.
Being a Stephen Minister will bring many unexpected blessings into your life.
You will grow in the understanding of your own Christian calling as well as the privilege of working closely with others in a helping relationship.
You will experience the fellowship of a warm, and loving, and caring group of people.
The skills you receive as a part of the Stephen Ministry training are applicable not only to a lay caring ministry but also in your everyday life experiences.
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How do I apply for the Stephen Ministry training?
After prayerful consideration, you may call or send Gordon Johnson an email for an application form. Acceptance will be based upon completion of your application and the results of a subsequent interview.
The class size is limited. Therefore, you are encouraged to complete your application as soon as possible.
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