Stephen Ministry began in 1975 when the Rev. Kenneth C. Haugk, Ph.D., a pastor and clinical psychologist, trained nine laypersons at his congregation in St. Louis, Missouri to assist in providing distinctively Christian care to members of their congregation and community. Rev. Haugk chose the name Stephen Ministry after St. Stephen, the first layperson commissioned by the Apostles to provide caring ministry to those in need (Acts 6). In 1978 Dr. Haugk held the first Stephen Series Leader’s Training Course and trained the first Stephen Leaders—representatives of various churches who then returned home to train and supervise their congregation’s Stephen Ministers. First United Methodist Church became a Stephen Ministry congregation in 1990.
Following the guiding principles of the Stephen Ministry organization, Stephen Ministers at FUMC are not counselors, but are trained Christian care givers. Their role is to listen and to care—not to counsel or advise. Lay members of our congregation participate in 50 hours of training in order to become Stephen Ministers. Once they have completed the initial training, Stephen Ministers continue to meet twice monthly for peer supervision and continuing education. Stephen Ministers must commit to two years of service. After those years, many Stephen Ministers recommit to serve additional years.
During 2007, Stephen Ministers from First Church provided 326 hours of confidential care for individuals with a variety of cares and concerns. Discussions between care receivers and their Stephen Ministers remain confidential. Even in supervision, the names of care receivers and specific details are never discussed.
Becoming a Stephen Minister at First United Methodist Church
Stephen Ministry training will equip you to show God’s mercy, care, and compassion to another who is hurting. You will walk beside your care receiver, pray for him or her, and help him or her work through life’s difficulties.
A new training class for Stephen Ministers will begin at First Church in September 2008. Classes will be held on Sunday evenings, with two full day sessions on Saturday, September 27 and November 15. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a trained Stephen Minister, please contact Pastor Kent or Pastor Kerry, or one of our current Stephen Leaders: Polly Maddox, Kathy Shope, Sally Sites, Bonnie Stewart, or Carol Yost.
Read "The Presence" ... A deeper description of Stephen Ministry.