Our mission is to proclaim through word and deed, the Gospel of Jesus Christ by nurturing, edifying, educating, and equipping the whole people of God who are called, gifted, and sent to be more effective servants who care for the needs of the whole person.
What is Stephen Ministry?
- A Christ caring ministry in which one
Christian reaches out to another in time of
need.
- An opportunity to reach out to others: the
lonely, the depressed, the inactive, the
bereaved, new people in town, those hosp- talized and convalescing, the divorced, the
aged.
- An on-going helping relationship with dependability and confidentiality.
- A meaningful way for our church to use more
fully our many talents in sharing one another’s burdens and joys.
Who are Stephen Ministers?
- Lay men and women from our congregation who have developed their gifts for bringing
the concern and care of Christ’s community
to people in need.
- People who come from all walks of life, age ranges and backgrounds.
- Caring and sharing Christians desiring to
offer their help/support to others in time of
need.
- Trained Christians who have developed their helping skills through 50 hours of intensive
coursework and training.
- Dedicated Christians commissioned by our church to confidential caring.
How do I request a Stephen Minister?
- A person - either you, a relative, or a friend is hurting and in need of Christian care.
- After the person in need - either you, a relative, or a friend has granted permission, contact Barbara Carruth, Lay Leader, or Joe Shafer, Staff Leader, at 972-539-8547, ext 203, or email him at joes@tmumc.org. You may also contact Peggy Zappavigna at peggyz@tmumc.org.
- Another option is offered by way of a small card found in the pew pockets in the sanctuary. A Stephen Ministry envelope is also available for added confidentiality.
- After explaining about Stephen Ministry, a Stephen Minister will be assigned to meet on a weekly basis with that person.
What will the Stephen Minister do?
- The Stephen Minister will meet with the care receiver (referred person) regularly.
- The Stephen Minister will not solve the care
receiver’s problems, but will be a caring, a listener — a sounding board — a presence as the
care receiver works on his/her own life situations.
- The Stephen Minister may share scripture
and prayer with the care receiver — if the
care receiver requests it and is comfortable
with such support.
- The Stephen Minister will not reveal their participation in the caring relationship and
will never use the name of the care receiver
or discuss the care receiver’s problem.
- The care receiver can expect a Christian
friend, willing to be present with them in a
time of need.
- The Stephen Minister will pray for the care
receiver.
If you find yourself struggling to maintain equilibrium, perhaps a re-location is causing sadness, a lack of job has significantly changed your lifestyle, or there are other life circumstances affecting your ability to function well. Please consider requesting a Stephen Minister. They are trained listeners. Sometimes just having a safe person to talk with, allows your mind to relax. You can begin to see ways you might be able to cope more effectively.
Stephen Ministers provide one-on-one support to help people who are working on difficult issue in their lives and strictly confidential care. |
