Stephen Ministry

What is Stephen Ministry?

Stephen Ministry is lay people providing confidential, one-to-one Christian caregiving to individuals in our congregation who are experiencing difficulties in their lives.....It is named after Stephen who was the first lay person Christ called to help him care for people who were hurting....Stephen Ministry is used in thousands of churches throughout the world....It is developed from a model successfully used by its founder in his own local congregation thirty-five years ago in St. Louis.

How is Stephen Ministry structured?

Stephen Leaders are members of our congregation who have trained at a seven-day conference led by staff from the Stephen Ministry organization. .....Stephen Leaders train Stephen Minister candidates using in-depth curriculum and skill practices.....Stephen Leaders oversee and direct the Stephen Ministry in our congregation.

Who are the Stephen Ministers?

Children of God with gifts for caregiving who have been carefully selected to serve as Christian companions to listen, pray, support and encourage their care receivers. .....Stephen Ministers have completed fifty hours of intense training in how to provide emotional and spiritual care......Stephen Ministers are people who will faithfully "be there" for the care receiver about an hour each week for as long as there is a need.

How will Stephen Ministry benefit Woodmont?

Our pastors will always be on the front lines of care, especially during times of crises. But there will usually be need for extra or extended care beyond what our pastors can effectively provide by themselves. Stephen Ministers will aid our pastors by providing ongoing, one-to-one care as long as the need is present.....

How could Stephen Ministry benefit you?

Everyone faces challenges in life which benefit from the support of a Christian friend. ....Have you lost a loved one? Had a hospitalization? Been divorced or separated? Had a spiritual crisis? Lost your job? Been diagnosed with a terminal illness? Struggled with aging? Had a new baby by birth or adoption, lost a baby, or struggled with infertility? Live with a chronic illness? Had to relocate? Suffered an accident or disaster?....Stephen Ministers are ready to provide emotional and spiritual care so that you do not bear your burden alone. 

Would a Stephen Minister keep your caring relationship confidential?

Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry. The identity of those receiving care and what takes place in each caring relationship remains private.... Stephen Ministers can be trusted because they understand the importance of confidentiality and will adhere to it.

How do you request a Stephen Minister?

Speak with one of Woodmont’s pastors who will contact the Stephen Ministry Referral Coordinator (Kathy Patten) or one of the other Stephen Leaders who may be substituting (Doug King, Tom Patten, Roy Stauffer, or Joyce White). ....Or you may speak directly with the Referral Coordinator or one of the Stephen Leaders. 

What happens after you request a Stephen Minister?

The Referral Coordinator will meet with you to talk about your need to ensure that you could benefit from a Stephen Minister and to answer any questions you may have. If having a Stephen Minister is appropriate for you and you agree to receive care, a Stephen Minister will be assigned to you provided there is one currently available to serve.