Working together with
STEPHEN MINISTRY
Caring that Changes Lives
Christ Caring for People
Through People
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 with our community.
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 2 years;
- Receive continuing education and skill building throughout their years of service.
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion."
Colossians 3:12
Meeting the Needs of People ...
There are 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 ...
- The hospitalized, terminally ill and their families;
- People who move in and out of our community;
- Those grieving a death or serious loss;
- The homebound and institutionalized;
- Prisoners, ex-offenders and their families;
- Those with a job crisis;
- The aging and elderly;
- Those with disabilities and their families;
- Those needing the support of a christian friend;
- Those facing life transitions;
- People separated or divorcing;
- Households experiencing birth or adoptions;
- Those in Spiritual crisis.
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.
"Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Galatians 6:2
Multiplies Our Christian Caregiving and Outreach
Our Stephen Ministers work together with our Pastors to reach more people with Christian care than pastors can reach by themselves.
People who receive care from a Stephen Minister-
- Receiving quality Christian care;
- Deepen their relationship with the 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.
"Encourage one another and build one another up."
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Please call the church office at (928) 692-8828
to talk to a Stephen Leader or to have one of our Pastors contact you.
St. Johns United Methodist Church
has a fully trained, caring, and compassionate group of church members
who are ready to serve in this Ministry by walking with you
through your difficult journey.
