June Stephen Ministry Article

Stephen Ministers are lay people of our congregation who are specially trained to listen, care, encourage, and support people who are going through tough times. After going through 50 hours of training -- learning how to listen well, have empathy, keep confidentiality, bring caregiving and more -- they give high-quality, one-to-one, Christ-centered care to people in our congregation and the community experiencing life difficulties.  Our Stephen Ministers have helped individuals experiencing challenges in life – loss of a loved one, divorce or separation, job crisis or unemployment, chronic illness or hospitalization, recovery after an illness or a disaster, a spiritual crisis, discouragement, loneliness, family changes or crisis, and other life challenges. They have made a real difference in the lives of people who are hurting, especially with connecting persons with Jesus’ healing love during some of the hardest times in their lives. This year, Stephen Ministries, based in St. Louis, Missouri, celebrated it’s 50th anniversary.  New Song UMC has had Stephen Ministry as a part of our church for over twenty years.

Interested in becoming a Stephen Minister? Training for new Stephen Ministers will begin this September – with weekly evening classes at our church. There is a sign-up sheet to express your interest or you can contact the church office.

Questions? Contact one of our Stephen Leader team – Ken Riddlesworth, Kathy Norris, Pastor Kathleen Puntar or Pastor Misty Howick.