The mission of Stephen Ministries 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. First United Methodist Church has been a Stephen Series congregation since 1994. Stephen Ministers are lay people trained to care for others in many and varied situations. One who commits to the Stephen Ministry program takes a 50 hour course of study and remains a Stephen Minister for two years. After the training there is a Commissioning of the Stephen Ministers who then will be assigned a care-receiver.
Referrals are the basis for our helping others.
Referrals are given to the Pastor, a Stephen Leader, a pew card dropped in the offering plate, a church staff person hears of a need, or a Stephen Minister just sees a need and care begins. Stephen Ministry is an extension of the pastoral care ministry of the church and will continue to be a viable ministry for the 21st century. People deal with their hurts more helpfully through the Christina Care of a Stephen Minister. Through this kind of caring ministry, God's Love Heals. Wholeness is Restored.