Stephen Ministry

The Stephen Ministry Program is a one-to-one lay caring ministry which provides distinctively Christian care to those who are experiencing life difficulties and circumstances.

Stephen Ministry is a nationwide program and was named after Stephen, the first lay person appointed by the Disciples to "go out and help meet the needs of the people." FUMC began its Stephen Ministry Program in 2011.

There are times when each of us may need the care and compassion of another person. We have found that a Christian friend, a Stephen Minister, can provide this needed support and help the "care receiver" get through the difficult time. Some of those times of need might include:

Hospitalization or serious illness Grieving a death or serious loss Experiencing a job loss Issues of those experiencing a divorce Problems facing the elderly

Personal struggles within a family Isolation following incarceration Spiritual crisis or feelings of abandonment Any other circumstance that could be made easier with the support of a Christian friend.

Stephen Ministers are: confidential, non-judgmental, good listeners and reliable.

Stephen Ministers are NOT: professional counselors or ordained pastors.

Interested in hearing from Stephen Ministry care receivers?
	Find out more at Care Receiver Stories.
Interested in receiving care from a Stephen Minister?
	Please contact Rev. Elizabeth Kubota or use our Online Care Request form.
Interested in becoming a Stephen Minister?
	Find out more about Stephen Ministry at Learn More. A training class will begin in January. If you think you might be interested, speak to Rev. Elizabeth Kubota, Kathy Ng or Andrea Machnik or send email using Stephen Ministry Training.

Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2, NRSV).