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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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....
If you feel called to become a Stephen Minister or if you are in need of support, we invite you to reach out to Pastor Ouk-Yean or call our church office: (925) 447-1950.
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.
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.
