Stephen Ministry

 

STEPHEN MINISTRY  

April is the season of new beginnings--flowers are blooming, the grass is turning green, and leaves are appearing on trees. This should be a time of joy for everyone. Yet many of us are unable to share in this joy because we are struggling with the loss of a job, financial difficulties, a lingering illness, a difficult relationship, feelings of guilt.and the list goes on. Wouldn't it be great to have a caring person listen to every single thing that is bothering you--someone who would not judge you, who would respect you, who would pray for you, and who would keep everything you say confidential? Well, you can have that person--someone who will meet with you weekly and establish a caring relationship with you. Just call Pastor Larry or Rose Horton today and request a Stephen Minister. Stephen Ministry is Christ caring for people through people. Let a Stephen Minister serve you with the love of Christ to help you begin anew.

--Peggy Park, Stephen Minister 

Stephen Ministry 
at Springfield United Methodist Church.....

"Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2

Stephen Ministry is...
a program of our congregation that equips lay persons to provide distinctively Christian one to one, same gender care to those who are experiencing all kinds of life needs and circumstances, both in our congregation and community.

Stephen Ministers are committed Christian people who...

  • express God's care through their lives to others;
  • receive 50 hours of initial training in important caring ministry skills and concepts;
  • are commissioned as Stephen Ministers after completing their initial training;
  • visit another person regularly and dependably and offer Christian support and care;
  • participate in regular support and supervision under the guidance of trained Stephen Leaders;
  • are committed to preserving the confidential nature of the caring relationship;
  • receive continuing education and skill building throughout their years of service.

Stephen Ministers meet the needs of people. There are times when each of us needs the care of another person, a Christian friend, a Stephen minister!

These needs include but are not limited to...

  • the terminally ill and their families
  • people who move into or out of our community
  • those grieving a death or serious loss
  • the homebound and institutionalized
  • those with a job loss or crisis transition
  • the aging and elderly
  • those with disabilities and their families
  • those needing the support of a Christian friend
  • those facing life transitions
  • the separated or divorced
  • households experiencing birth or adoption
  • those in spiritual crisis

Stephen Ministry is confidential ministry: those receiving care can be sure that their identity and what goes on in the caring relationship will remain private.

About the Leaders of Our Congregation's Stephen Ministry...

Stephen Leaders are trained lay persons who have completed a seven-day Stephen Series Leader's Training Course and are commissioned to lead the Stephen Ministry of our congregation.

Our congregation's Stephen Leaders can....

  • help you or someone you know receive care from a Stephen Minister;
  • tell you how to become a Stephen Minister;
  • tell you about Stephen Ministry training and our next training class;
  • answer other questions about our congregation's Stephen Ministry program.

Are you in need or know someone in need? Then contact  our Senior Pastor, Larry Craddock 703-451-2375.

To find out more about this world-wide caring ministry, visit the Stephen Ministry website.