What Does It Take to Become a Stephen Minister?
(And What Do You Receive in Return?)
Okay, admit it. Stephen Ministry has crossed your mind a few times. You might even have picked up a brochure or talked with your pastor about it. But now you want to take a closer look at the idea of becoming a Stephen Minister. You’re wondering: Is this right for me? Following are some guidelines that might help you in your decision making.
GIFTS
A Stephen Minister is a person with the gift of mercy, who shows compassion and gives encouragement to and intercedes for those he or she cares for. Many Stephen Ministers say that they receive much more from the caring relationship with their care receiver than they give.
COMMITMENT
A Stephen Minister devotes time, energy, and resources to this ministry. In return, a Stephen Minister has the chance to participate in meaningful ministry, make a major difference in another person’s life, and grow as a joyous child of God.
TRAINING
A Stephen Minister completes 50 hours of training before ever meeting with a care receiver. He or she learns about listening, assertiveness, confidentiality, and many other aspects of caregiving. After completing the initial training, there is continuing education. Stephen Ministers find that their relationships become richer and deeper at home, church, and work and with friends.
DEDICATED SERVICE
A Stephen Minister serves wholeheartedly. This isn’t a casual ministry. It involves prayer, thought, consideration, study, and commitment. In return, the Stephen Minister receives grateful thanks from his or her care receiver, our Stephen Leaders, the congregation, and our God.
ACCOUNTABILITY
A Stephen Minister is accountable to God, the congregation, the Stephen Leaders, the other Stephen Ministers, and the care receiver. In return, he or she receives support, encouragement, and guidance in Small Group Peer Supervision.
CONTINUOUS LEARNING
A Stephen Minister is open to adjusting and adapting his or her caregiving to fit the needs of the care receiver. He or she learns more about caregiving at each meeting with a care receiver and at each supervision session. Stephen Ministry is an experience of continuous learning, growth, and joy.
Our new training class will be held Tuesday nights beginning on September 18th, 2007. Damascus and Friendship UMC are joining with six area churches (Ashton UMC, Chinese Bible Church of MD, Mill Creek Parish, Millian UMC, Oakdale Emory UMC, and St. Paul’s UMC) to train the future Stephen Ministry class of 2008. DUMC will host the first four sessions of the 18 that will complete the training (50 hours total). Our own Stephen Leaders from DUMC and Friendship will be leading the first five sessions. The remaining classes will be held and led by other Stephen Leaders at the other hosting churches.
Please think and pray about this opportunity. If you decide you would like to explore the possibility of becoming a Stephen Minister, please contact Bonnie Custer, the Training Coordinator, and she can discuss how you can get started. Or, you can write to Stephen Ministry at moc.oohay|cmudyrtsinimnehpets#moc.oohay|cmudyrtsinimnehpets. Applications for Stephen Ministry will be available in the annex and the narthex. Also, keep an eye on the Beaconette for future information sessions about Stephen Ministry.
We are excited to witness what God is going to do in the lives of those who undertake this ministry and in the lives of those who will receive care from our Stephen Ministers.
