• Ministry of Christian Education
• Ministry of Music
• Ministry of Serving
• Ministry of Caring
  • Congregational Care by Staff
  • Homebound Visitation
  • Care Center Visitation
  • Eucharistic Ministry
  • Errands and Transport
  • DVD Ministry
  • Flower Ministry
  • Newborn Ministry
  • Stephen Ministry
    • Stephen Leaders
    • Stephen Ministry General Info & Expectations
    • Stephen Ministry Training Schedule 2011
  • Roving Minstrels
  • Prayer Shawl Ministry
  • Care Notes
  • Cab Transportation to Worship
• WORD Youth Ministries
• Children's Ministry
• Early Childhood Ministry
• Ministry of Fellowship
• Library
• Women's Ministries
• Workplace Ministries
• Young Adult Ministries

Stephen Ministry

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then Jesus said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Matthew 9:36-38, NRSV
 
Throughout the Bible, God tells us to love and care for each other. Christians have that desire but may not feel “qualified” or comfortable in knowing what to say to someone who is hurting.  With God’s help and the Stephen Ministry training, you will begin to welcome the opportunity to journey with a person in need.  You will realize that we can (and must!) greatly extend the caring ministry provided by our pastors.

Our caregiving is not intended to “fix” people; that is God’s work.  By partnering with Him, we can be the caregiver, knowing He is the curer.

If, as a member of St. Paul’s, you believe God has given you the gifts of being (1) a good listener (2) compassionate and (3) able to keep information confidential, we pray that you will feel His nudge to become a Stephen Minister.

Stephen Ministers represent all walks of life. There are no special occupational skills or experiences required.  If you are capable physically (for weekly visits and meetings), emotionally and spiritually, age need not be a factor. Ages of Stephen Ministers range from age 18 (minimum) to over age 90.

THE PROCESS:

1. Pick up a Stephen Ministry Application at one of the Welcome Centers.
2. Complete it and give it to one of the Stephen Leaders or the church office.  This does NOT indicate a commitment.
3. A Stephen Leader will call you to arrange a visit at the church (about 30 min.) with a couple of Stephen Leaders.  Discussion will include covering any questions or concerns that you might have.  Accomplishing this by July 30 would help ensure our having the materials in time for you to read the August 21 assignment.

Feel free to talk with any of the Stephen Leaders or Stephen Ministers at any time

• General Information and Expectations of Stephen Ministers
• Training Schedule
• Training Topics (.pdf file)
• Stephen Leaders and Stephen Ministers at St. Paul's UMC
• Stephen Ministry on PBS (takes you from St. Paul's Website)
• Why the Name Stephen?  About the Stephen Series Logo: http://www.stephenministries.org/stephenministry/default.cfm/888