- participate in regular support and supervision.
- visit another person regularly and dependably and offer Christian support and care.
- are committed to preserving the confidential nature of the caring relationship.
- agree to serve for at least two years.
- receive continuing education and skill building throughout their years of service.
Kinds of needs Stephen Ministers care for:
- Bereavement
- Terminal illness
- Marital separation or divorce
- Job loss or change in status
- Health issues, chronic pain, disability
- Survivors of natural disasters or other catastrophes
- Financial problems
- Victims of crime
In Acts 6:1-7, Stephen is identified as one of the first laypersons set aside to do caring ministry. Begun in 1975 in St. Louis, the transdenominational program now serves more than 90 denominations in all 50 states. Our church began its program in 1999.
The following are active Stephen Ministers: Trudy Brocke, Pat Currin, Elna Jones, Wesley Kennedy, Larry Kryske, Naomi Kryske, Lenora Pitcher, and Diana Zimring, Roger Boldt, Sue Cummings, John Dvorak, Bill Hunter, Elizabeth Kilgore, Nancy Purcell, Myrna Ridings, Jeff Robinson, Mickey Starks, Bill Wilkin, and Lou Wilkin.
If you'd like more information about having a Stephen Minister or if you'd like to become a Stephen Minister, call Rev. Martha Myre or Stephen Leaders, Myrna Ridings, Lou Wilkin or Mickey Starks, 972-233-7671. Visit the web site: www.stephenministries.org
Stephen Ministry is distinctively Christian caregiving for people going through difficult times or who are otherwise in need of support in their lives. A Stephen Minister often comes alongside a person whose life has been turned topsy-turvy by a crisis or tragedy and cares for that person as he or she puts his or her life back together. It is a one-on-one ministry in which all information shared with the Stephen Minister is held in confidence.
