What is Stephen Ministry?
Are you overwhelmed, anxious, or uncertain? Have you experienced loss? Are you struggling to keep a positive outlook after a Pandemic year? Are you wrestling with your faith? Did you know that people in the very first church struggled with life issues too? And that the “preachers” alone could not handle all the needs? So they appointed laypersons to help. One of the first appointed was a man named Stephen, and he is our Christian lay ministry ancestor. We follow in the steps of that first church. Stephen Ministers in particular walk alongside someone during their time of emotional, physical, or spiritual need, listening to, praying for, and loving that person along the way, providing in-depth one-on-one, confidential care.
White Plains UMC is one of 12,000 congregations representing 177 different Christian denominations from all 50 states, 10 Canadian provinces, and 29 other countries that have implemented this program of lay Christian caregiving. White Plains UMC began its journey with Stephen Ministry in 1988. Since that time 152, Stephen Ministers here have received 50 hours of initial training and spent untold hours ministering to the people of our congregation and beyond. While people serve as Stephen Ministers they also receive monthly continuing education and support for their caregiving. Since 1988 17 Stephen Ministers have taken even more training to become Stephen Leaders so that they can train, equip and empower lay caregivers to provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to people who are hurting or going through tough times.
I think I need a Stephen Minister…
Any adult who desires Christian care can seek a Stephen Minister. It is not necessary to be a member of White Plains to have a Stephen Minister. If you, a friend, or a relative would like a Stephen Minister, you can, with the person’s permission, contact either of the pastors, the church office, or make a request by email or phone to contact the Stephen Ministry Referrals Coordinator, Barbara Kastner at (919) 618-2932 who will contact them and meet briefly to talk about Stephen Ministry, share expectations and answer questions that the person may have and then prayerfully link him/her with a Stephen minister.
I Want to serve as a Stephen Minister…
Stephen Ministers are trained and supervised in their caregiving. Prior to enrolling in the 50-hour training program, a potential Stephen Minister must complete an application and an interview with the Stephen Ministry leadership team. Upon successful completion of these steps, a candidate is enrolled in our church-sponsored Stephen Ministry training program. Stephen ministry is a 2-year commitment to caregiving, supervision, and continuing education. If you feel called to this ministry and want to explore more, contact any of the Stephen Ministry leadership team.
For more information on becoming a Stephen Minister or for referrals, please contact Barbara Kastner at (919) 618-2932. The application form can be found HERE.
Leadership team: Lelia Babson, Barbara Kastner.
Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world, for indeed, that’s all who ever have.” – Margaret Mead