Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministry


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.


Three new Stephen Ministers were commissioned April 6, 2025.  Back row:  Nancy Rooks and Tom Young, Stephen Leaders.  Commissioned were:  Daria McNabb and Reverend Peter McNabb center row and Joe Crouch front row.


To learn more about becoming a Stephen Minister, contact:

Tom Young at 430-252-4900.

What do stephen Ministers Do?

  • Listen
  • Explore feelings
  • Pray
  • Share Christ’s love
  • Maintain confidentiality
  • Attend to the caregiving process and leave the results to God

Stephen Ministers Care For People Who Are...

  • Grieving
  • In a crisis
  • In need of long-term care
  • Dying
  • Hospitalized
  • Divorcing
  • Experiencing losses as they age
  • Going through a crisis of childbirth
  • The family and friends of people in crisis