Stephen Ministry — Gainesville First UMC
*The Stephen Ministry logo signifies that we are all broken people and that it is only though the cross of Jesus that we can be made whole.

*The Stephen Ministry logo signifies that we are all broken people and that it is only though the cross of Jesus that we can be made whole.

Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministry is grounded in Jesus’ command to love one another. As an outreach of the pastoral office and under the supervision of clergy staff, Stephen Ministers are members of our church who have received 50 hours of training to provide confidential, one-to-one, Christian care to people who are dealing with a variety of life crises or transitions. In addition, many of the Stephen Ministers serve communion to members at home and in senior living communities

If you or someone you know might benefit from having a Stephen Minister walk with them through a difficult time, please contact Rev. Carolyn Clifton or Jim Reavis in the church office at 770-536-2341, or Barb Mistarz, Stephen Leader at 770-540-1541. All communications are confidential.

If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, a training class is forming for August/September 2024. Please fill out the application below and return it to Rev. Carolyn Clifton.

 
 

Who are Stephen Ministers? +

• Children of God who walk beside those who are hurting.

• Congregation members who are carefully selected to serve in this role of ministry because of their gifts of caregiving and compassion.

• Laypeople with 50 hours of training in providing high-quality distinctively Christian care.

• Caring Christian friends who listen, care, pray, support, and encourage without judgement.

• Those who meet faithfully each week with their care receivers for as long as there’s a need.

What do Stephen Ministers do? +

Stephen Ministers are extensively trained by Stephen Leaders at GFUMC to provide one-to-one care to those facing a life crisis or simply going through a difficult time.

Stephen Ministers complete 50 hours of training in a variety of areas prior to becoming an active Stephen Minister. Curriculum materials, which draw on literature from pastoral counselors, Biblical scripture, theologians, and psychologists, cover such issues as assertiveness and honesty, healthy boundaries, confidentiality, reflective listening, and ways to proceed with referral to mental health professionals when appropriate.

After being matched with a person experiencing a life crisis, the Stephen Minister meets with that person on a weekly basis to listen, care, encourage, pray, and provide emotional and spiritual support. The caring relationship is confidential and lasts as long as the need for care exists. Stephen Ministers and care receivers are matched by gender.

What issues are Stephen Ministers trained to address? +

We will all experience challenges and difficult situations in life – times when we could benefit from care and support. Stephen Ministers are equipped to provide the emotional and spiritual care we need when faced with a crisis or life change such as:

  • Loss of a loved one
  • Hospitalization or medical crisis
  • Divorce or separation
  • Loneliness or discouragement
  • Spiritual Crisis
  • Unemployment or job crisis
  • Chronic or terminal illness
  • Incarceration
  • Aging
  • Caregiver stress
  • Empty nest
  • Parenting & grandparenting challenges
  • Military deployment of a loved one
  • Financial stress
  • Birth, adoption, miscarriage, or infertility
  • Relocation
  • Recovery after an accident or disaster
  • Many other life changes*

Stephen Ministry provides care for those in our church and community facing difficult life situations. Anyone who surrounds a person in crisis such as parents, spouse, adult children, siblings and other loved ones may also request and benefit from having a Stephen Minister. Because some issues also can affect many others, just one of these people having a Stephen Minister could make a significant difference for all, and no one but you and your Stephen Minister know you even have a Stephen Minister.

Think Stephen Ministry! +

Every member of GFUMC plays an important role in the service of Stephen Ministry. Here’s how you can support Stephen Ministry and those around you:

• Pray for God to bring hope and healing to hurting people through our Stephen Ministry.

• Accept care from a Stephen Minister during your time of need. God does not expect you to bear your burdens alone.

• Tell a friend, neighbor, co-worker, or relative who is hurting about Stephen Ministry.

• If you are a compassionate person and a good listener, prayerfully consider becoming a Stephen Minister.