Today more than 13,000 congregations offer Stephen Ministry as an extension of Pastoral Care.
In 2021, our Stephen Leaders completed training and began training the first class of Asbury Memorial / Wesley Oak Stephen Ministers, who were commissioned in March of 2022, and are now caring for congregation and community members in need of a Stephen Minister.
Who are Stephen Ministers?
Stephen Ministers are congregation members trained and commissioned for caring ministry. They come from many different backgrounds, ages, and walks of life, but all have in common a heart for bringing Christ’s healing love to hurting people. Stephen Ministers are people like you—caring Christians who want to make a difference in the lives of those going through difficult times.
What do Stephen Ministers Do?
A Stephen Minister walks alongside a hurting person to provide one-to-one, emotional and spiritual care—listening, empathizing, encouraging, helping process feelings, and connecting the person with God’s love. Serving in this role is an opportunity to put your spiritual gifts into action and touch people’s lives in powerful ways. Typically, a Stephen Minister meets with his or her care receiver in person, although some have shifted to meeting by phone or video during the Covid-19 pandemic so that they can continue their ministry while ensuring everyone’s safety.
Who do Stephen Ministers Care For?
Stephen Ministers provide care for care receivers, people in the congregation or community who are experiencing difficulties in life, such as grief, job loss, divorce, major illness, spiritual struggles. In the midst of challenging times, receiving care from a Stephen Minister can make a significant difference.
What is Stephen Minister Training Like?
Stephen Minister training is an engaging, interactive experience that fully equips you to provide high-quality, Christ-centered care to people who are hurting. Our Stephen Leaders will use presentations, discussions, readings, videos, skill practices and spiritual growth activities to equip and empower you with practical caregiving and relational skills. In addition, the training provides many opportunities for building Christian community and experiencing personal and spiritual growth.
Stephen Ministers often say that their training was life-transforming—helping them to grow in faith and learn relationship principles and skills that deepened and enhanced all the relationships in their life.
Should I consider becoming a Stephen Minister - What Do I Do Next ?
First, pray about the opportunity to serve as a Stephen minister and consider how God might be calling you to ministry.
Then talk with the Stephen Leaders about applying for the next Stephen Minister training class. They will let you know what the next steps are and, if you’re selected, when training will begin.
God Bless you as you prayerfully consider becoming a part of this crucial caring ministry.
Please contact Candace Jenkins at the Church office 912-233-4351 or email [email protected]
Our Stephen Leaders
- Rev Claire Marich
- Candace Jenkins
- Rhonda Reed
- Stephen Reed
- Sandra Katz
Our Stephen Ministers
- August Anderson
- Mary Ann Barnes
- Barbara Gooby
- Kimmi Sampieri