STEPHEN MINISTRY AT ALDERSGATE

Going Through A Tough Time?

Spring may have arrived, but life can still seem cold and dreary for those who have suffered a loss or experienced a crisis.  Our Stephen Ministers are trained to help through the “winters” of life, providing emotional and spiritual support during tough times.  If you or someone you know could benefit from confidential, one-to-one Christian care, contact one of our Pastors or Stephen Leader Mitzi Whittington, referrals chair  at the church office – 272-6152.

What is Stephen Ministry?

One-to-one Ministry by Trained, Caring Lay Ministers who have responded to Christ’s call to “carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”---Galatians 6:2

What is a Stephen Minister?

A child of God who walks beside a hurting person

A caring Christian friend who really listens

A lay person who has received 50 hours of training in how to provide distinctively Christian care

A Stephen Minister is NOT . . .

A counselor or therapist

A problem solver

A casual visitor

What is Stephen Ministry for?

Loneliness

Loss of a spouse

Retirement changes

Unemployment

Despair

Childbirth

Hospitalization

Separation & divorce

Grief

Terminal illness

Being shut-in

Most of life’s struggles

What does Stephen Ministry provide?

Someone...who cares, who supports, who listens, who shares.

Who Can Benefit from Stephen Ministry?

Anyone going through difficult times who needs someone to care, listen, and share God’s love with them on a one-to-one confidential basis.

How can you support our congregation's Stephen Ministry?

Pray for our Stephen Leaders and Stephen Ministers as they provide Christian care to others.  Pray for all who are recieving confidential care through the Stephen Ministry of our congregation.

Tell Stephen Leaders about those who might benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister--be sure to get that person's permission first!  Tell others in the community about the availability of our congregation's Stephen Ministry and the care it can provide.

Prayerfully consider serving as a Stephen Minister.

Want to know more?

Contact the office at Aldersgate (272.6152) and ask for one of our Stephen Leaders:  Shirley Jordan, Eddie Caldwell, Brenda Wheat, Dave McKinney or Mitzi Whittington; or email at stephenministry@aldersgateumc.org.