Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors

ready to be TRANSFORMED? If you communicate well in a one-to-one environment, can listen, respond non-judgmentally and are willing to commit to two years service within the church, we have an opportunity for YOU. A new class to train Stephen Ministers is beginning in late February. For more information, please call the church office, 972-625-1281.

STEPHEN MINISTRY

Q) What is Stephen Ministry anyway?

A) It is people bringing hope by being there and

listening.

Q) Who can use it?

A) Anyone feeling they are going through a tough time.

Q) Why should I bother someone with my problems?

A) Because trouble shared is half the burden, and we are

instructed to share one another's burdens.

Q) I'm sure the Stephen Ministers are needed for bigger

problems than mine.

A) Problems do not come in measured sizes. If you think you could benefit from having someone to bounce things off in a confidential relationship, call the church office and ask for a Stephen Minister. Tell your friends and coworkers about this ministry. It is open to the community. Call the church office 972-625-1281 today.

Carry each other's burdens and in this way you will fulfill the laws of Christ. Galatians 6:2

Stephen Ministry

"If only I had someone to talk to."

Have you heard this or said it? Our church has a group of dedicated men and women who are here to handle that statement.

STEPHEN MINISTRY

Sometimes It's Hard to Ask for Help.

We're brought up to be strong, self-sufficient, independent people. We tend to think that if we ask for help, it is a sign of weakness. So we try to keep our struggles hidden, stuffed deep inside. However, that's not God's plan. Galatians 6:2 says "Bear one another's burdens, and so

fulfill the law of Christ." God wants us to care for others--and allow others to care for us in our time of need. If you're sad or struggling inside, don't suffer alone. Ask for help. We've got a team of Stephen Ministers who are ready to listen, care, encourage, pray, and help you through a tough time. (It's confidential, too!) Call the church office 972-625-1281 for more information.

General Information

Since 1975, Stephen Ministries of St. Louis has been training leaders from local congregations to equip God’s people for spiritual growth and Christ-centered practical ministry in today’s world. FUMC is a registered member of two programs offered by Stephen Ministries of St. Louis: Stephen Ministry –a system of one-on-Christian caring to those struggling with life circumstances, and ChristCare – a system of small group ministry.

The Stephen Ministry program is now in more than 7,500 congregations from 100 denominations in all 50 states, nine Canadian provinces, and 20 other countries. The system has proven to be an effective way to provide pastoral care.

Stephen Ministry at FUMC began in January of 2001. Our congregation sends persons to Stephen Leaders Training Conferences in St. Louis, where they learn how to run the program in a local congregation. Stephen Leaders recruit people to be Stephen Ministers, train and supervise Stephen Ministers, and keep the congregation informed about Stephen Ministry. Additional information about Stephen Ministry in our congregation is given below. For further information about Stephen Ministries of St. Louis, click here.

www.stephenministry.com

What is Stephen Ministry?

A Stephen Minister is...

A child of God who walks beside a hurting person

A caring Christian friend who really listens

A lay person who has received 50 hours of training in how to provide distinctively Christian care

A Stephen Minister is NOT...

A counselor or therapist

A problem solver

A casual visitor

Stephen Ministry helps meet the needs of Individuals who are...

Hospitalized

Terminally ill

Care givers for family members

Bereaved

In a job crisis

New members of a community

Disabled

Homebound

Lonely

In a spiritual crisis

In a family crisis

Coping with change

What will happen when you ask for help from a Stephen Minister?

You can ask the pastor for help from a Stephen Minister. The Referrals Coordinator will contact you to talk more about Stephen Ministry and what it can mean to you. If your needs can be best served by a Stephen Minister, you will be matched with someone who will support you through this tough time. You do not have to be a member of this congregation to receive a Stephen Minister. Remember, all Stephen Leaders and Stephen Ministers are bound to confidentiality at all times.

We all know someone...

Someone in crisis who doesn't know where to turn

Someone who is tense, upset, worn-out... needing someone to talk with, someone to care. You'd like to help, but how?

There are 3 easy steps...

Listen and care for your friend in your own relationship together.

Ask your friend for permission to share his or her need with someone who can help - either the pastor or a Stephen Leader. Be sure to tell your friend that all information will be kept confidential.

The Referral Coordinator or one of the other Stephen Leaders will then meet with the person to talk about the program and prepare them to receive a Stephen Minister if they decide to proceed.

Thank you for your support!

$$$ To provide financial support you can buy donuts on

Sunday or donate sodas for the vending machine -

Coke, Diet Coke, Caffeine Free Diet Coke,

Pepsi, Root Beer, Mountain Dew, Dr. Pepper $$$

Monetary donations are gratefully accepted.

Most of all

THINK STEPHEN!

If you would like more information on this ministry, contact the Stephen Ministry contact at the email above, or contact the church office at 9972) 625-1281.