Congregational Care Ministry and Stephen Ministry

One-to-One Lay Caring Ministry

Through these caring relationships, Congregational Care Ministers and Stephen Ministers in love and care, reach out to those who are hurting and in need of support during difficult circumstances. 

The needs Congregational Care Ministers seek to serve include but are not limited to...

 

  • Those confined to their home with limited contact with the outside
  • Those confined to care facilities who are unable to attend worship services at one of our campuses
  • To provide assurance that the member is still a vital part of this Church family
  • To provide communion if asked

  

The needs Stephen Ministers seek to serve include but are not limited to...

 

  • The hospitalized
  • The aging and elderly
  • The terminally ill and their families
  • Those with disabilities and their families
  • People who move into or out of our community
  • Those grieving a death or severe loss

 

  • Those facing life transitions
  • The separated or divorced
  • Households experiencing birth or adoption
  • Those in spiritual crises
  • Those with job crises
  • Those needing the support of a Christian friend

Everyone goes through difficult times. Having someone to care, listen, and share God's love can help you get through the confusion, stress or loneliness you may be experiencing. Stephen Ministers give one-to-one Christian care. God works through Stephen ministers to plant a seed of hope in a person whose life seems barren and forlorn because of some crises or tragedy.

Stephen Ministers:
A Stephen Minister Is Not:

 

  • Listen and Pray
  •  Share Christ's Love
  •  Maintain confidentiality
  •  Are caring friends

 

  • A counselor or therapist
  •  A problem solver
  •  A casual visitor
 Referral Process

 

  1. A person is hurting and in need of Christian care.
  2.  The Director of Stephen Ministry, serving as the Referral Coordinator, learns about a need for care from the pastor, the person or a friend, always with the person's permission.
  3.  The Referral Coordinator meets with the person to talk about Stephen Ministry.
  4.  With the person's permission, the Referral Coordinator assigns an FUMC Stephen Minister to meet the person on a weekly or as needed basis.
  5. The Stephen Minister continues to provide distinctively Christian care for the person with strict confidentiality.
  6.  Contact Pat Mears if you would like to make a referral or need a Stephen Minister.

Stephen Leaders

Stan Ginsburg, Pat Mears, Herschel Miller, Lloyd Fason, Karen Mayfield and Ross McKenzie.

Stephen Ministers

Rita Clanton, Dave Guyer, Gary Harward, Linda Harward, Baxter Johns, Bill Mears, Nancy Morrow, Elaine Reynolds, Candace Ditsch, Ann Forrest, Sharon Hobart, Janine Hoffpauir, Kathy McKenzie, Eleanor Pate, Carla Robertson, Debbie Tahiri, Melody Terrell, Cindy Thomas, Loring Wandless, and Su Milam.