Stephen Ministry Training Class, Mondays at 5:30 p.m.

Offer a listening ear and a caring heart like Christ for those who desire support by becoming a Stephen Minister at FUMC.

Stephen Ministry is our congregation’s one-to-one caregiving ministry. God works through Stephen Ministers to plant a seed of hope and healing in a person facing illness, sadness, change, loss, or difficulties such as fear, pain or loneliness.

Stephen Ministers are lay caregivers who help pastors and congregations provide personal caring ministry for as long as people need it.

Stephen Ministers usually serve for at least two years, after an initial 50 hours of training. Training focuses on the importance of prayer and listening, and how to provide support and encouragement without rushing in as an advisor or problem-solver.

The St. Louis-based Stephen Ministries organization provides the curriculum and training for the ministry, which is now in more than 10,000 congregations in all 50 states. Active Stephen Ministers participate in twice-monthly supervision and continuing education sessions.

To learn more about becoming a Stephen Minister, contact Tom Young at 903-612-8806.