A Stephen Minister is a trained listener who can be matched with an individual (of the same gender) who is going through a difficult time. The two meet for about an hour each week for as long as needed. Names of care receivers are kept strictly confidential. The care receiver need not be a member of St. Paul’s. No cost is involved.

Anyone can be trained as a Stephen minister at St. Paul’s if you:

• Are over age 18
• Are a member of St. Paul’s UMC
• Are available to receive 50 hours of training
• Possess the gift of compassion
• Are able to keep information confidential

Stephen Ministers receive 50 hours of training locally. There is a $50 cost for training materials. Confidential financial assistance is available. After training, Stephen Ministers meet twice a month (2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month from 6:30-9:00 pm) for continuing education and to support one another. No care receiver names are shared. Stephen Ministers are asked to serve for two years; most have chosen to stay longer.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Stephen Minister, contact Nancy Nygren at 319-550-1455 or talk with any of our Stephen Ministers. We welcome your questions.

If you are interested in having the help of a Stephen Minister, contact Elaine Oxenford at 319-447-0786. She will talk with you to determine whether or not a Stephen Minister could be helpful to you. Elaine with provide further information.

A care receiver need not be a member of St. Paul’s. If you know of someone in the community who might benefit from having a Stephen Minister, ask permission to give his/her name and contact information  to Elaine. She will be happy to explain the program and determine if a Stephen Minister could be helpful.

Here are some comments received from people who’ve recently been helped by a Stephen Minister at St. Paul's:

My Stephen Minister was my Godsend.  She was my faith when mine wavered; she was my rock when I needed someone to hold onto; she was the light when mine was flickering; she was my shield when I battled; and she was my sight when I needed to see more clearly.  She was always there - from the very beginning to the very end.  I would not be who I am today without her presence in my life.  I am forever thankful to the Stephen Ministry program…and for my Godsend!  I could go on forever about her!  

I still believe Stephen Ministry is about the single best thing our church has to offer.  Even if people don’t realize they might need a Stephen Minister.

My need was so brief…The visits from my Stephen Minister were very encouraging and it meant a lot to me that the church I had so recently joined, cared enough to include me. It must mean even more to those who have more serious and longer-lasting needs. It is just what Jesus called us to do.  

My Stephen Minister helped me get through the painful time after my husband died. She was so kind and supportive and a wonderful listener and encourager. We prayed together over all my ups and downs. We are still close, even when we only see each other infrequently.   

I wanted to share my feelings about receiving spiritual and emotional support from my Stephen Minister. The objectivity and the perceptive nature have opened doors for my thoughts and hopes…My Stephen Minister has been a blessing beyond belief.

I had a lot of help from my Stephen Minister. I needed help badly…men don’t accept help like women do but having a Stephen Minister has been a tremendous help…