STEPHEN MINISTRY
Confidential, one-on-one Christian care
for those who are hurting.
We all experience challenges in life – times when we could benefit from the support of a caring Christian friend. If you are experiencing a crisis, struggling through a difficult time, or simply find yourself stressed by everyday life, a Stephen Minister may be of help to you.
Stephen Ministers listen, empathize, encourage, pray, and provide emotional and spiritual support on a weekly basis. They provide focused, confidential, one-to-one Christian care and help you experience the healing power of Christ’s love in your life. God works in and through them to bring hope and healing.
"As Senior Pastor of this wonderful congregation, I can tell you that I very much need the ministry that Stephen Ministry provides. It pains me to know that I cannot 'keep up' with everyone's special need in this large congregation, especially in those ongoing ministry needs where a Christian companion is needed. After experiencing the Stephen Ministry training myself a few years ago, I witnessed firsthand the quality and depth of training received. I often recommend that a person with whom I have spent some time in a special need situation consider asking for a Stephen Minister so that they will not be alone in the journey. I am a real fan of this vital ministry."
Dr. Jody Seymour
DUMC's Stephen Ministry Team
DUMC’s Stephen Ministry Brochure
About the Stephen Ministry Organization
Seeking a Stephen Minister?
Dedicated, caring Stephen Ministers are available to all in our congregation and community who are experiencing a crisis or struggling through a difficult time.
Great care is taken to best match you with your Stephen Minister. Stephen Ministers are always assigned male to male and female to female. Once a Stephen Minister has been assigned to you, they will contact you to find a convenient time and place for your first meeting. Typically, you will meet once a week for an hour each time. This will be an evolving, trust-building process in which you, the care receiver, choose the way in which you can best be helped.
If you think a Stephen Minister might be helpful for you, complete an Application for Seeking a Stephen Minister and return to Rev. Ashley Pickerel, or call her at 704-892-8277. If you would rather speak to a male, contact Rev. Jeff Hassel at the same number.
DUMC's Stephen Ministry Brochure
Interested in Becoming a Stephen Minister?
If you have gifts for caring, encouragement, and listening, please begin to prayerfully consider becoming a Stephen Minister. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to grow in faith, develop stronger relationship skills, and bring Christ’s love into the lives of hurting people.
Requirements of Stephen Ministers
DUMC's Stephen Ministry Brochure
2010 Training Schedule
Once your application for Stephen Ministry is accepted, you will be signed up for the next training session. It's a big commitment - trainees meet weekly for a total of 50 hours of training. After commissioning, you will receive a care receiver as soon as a good "fit" occurs. Stephen Ministers (those with and without care receivers) meet twice a month for fellowship, prayer, continuing education, and small group peer supervision. Due to the intensive training, Stephen Ministers are expected to commit to the program for at least two years.
If you are intereted in becoming a Stephen Minister, complete an Application to Become a Stephen Minister and submit to Rev. Ashley Pickerel (704-892-8277).
Stephen Ministers are care givers; God is the cure giver.