Stephen Ministry

At Asbury UMC, we believe in the power of caring relationships and serving others with love. 
One of the ways we embody this belief is through our active Stephen Ministry program. 

Stephen Ministry is a confidential, one-to-one Christian care program that equips and empowers lay caregivers—called Stephen Ministers—
to provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to people who are going through a hard time or transition.

What is Stephen Ministry?

Stephen Ministry is an international program founded in 1975 that trains laypeople to provide emotional and spiritual support to individuals facing various life challenges. These challenges can include grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, relocation, or other life crises. Stephen Ministers offer a listening ear, empathy, and prayerful support, helping care receivers to navigate through difficult times and experience healing.

How Stephen Ministry Works at Asbury UMC

At Asbury UMC, our Stephen Ministry program is a vital part of our congregational care. Here’s how it works:

  1. Selection and Training: 
    • Individuals who feel called to become Stephen Ministers go through a rigorous selection process. Once selected, they undergo extensive training that includes over 50 hours of instruction in Christian caregiving skills. This training covers topics such as active listening, confidentiality, crisis intervention, and theological reflection.
  2. Matching Care Receivers and Stephen Ministers:
    • When a member of our congregation or community expresses a need for support, our Stephen Leaders carefully match them with a trained Stephen Minister. This matching process considers the specific needs and personalities of both the care receiver and the Stephen Minister to ensure a supportive and effective caregiving relationship.
  3. Ongoing Supervision and Support: 
    • Stephen Ministers meet regularly for supervision and continuing education. These sessions provide a confidential space for Stephen Ministers to receive support and guidance, ensuring they remain effective and spiritually nourished in their caregiving roles.

The Impact of Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministry at Asbury UMC has made a significant impact on both the caregivers and the care receivers.
Those receiving care often describe the experience as transformative, finding solace, hope, and renewed faith through their journey with a Stephen Minister.
As caregivers, Stephen Ministers, in turn, experience personal growth, deeper faith, and the joy of serving others in Christ’s name.

Next Steps....

Whether you’re looking to serve or seeking help, Stephen Ministry is here for you.
Together, we can embody Christ’s love, providing care and compassion to those in need.


Stephen Ministry™ at Asbury UMC is more than a program; it’s a testament to our commitment to caring for one another as Christ cares for us. 

We are proud to offer this ministry as a beacon of hope and support in our community.

Interested in becoming a Stephen Minister?

We'd love to hear from you. Fill out the form below to get started.

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Do you need a Stephen Minister?

If you feel like a Stephen Minister would be beneficial for you or someone you know, please leave your phone number below and someone will contact you. 

(Stephen Ministry is a confidential Ministry so please do not provide any personal information.)
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