You may have heard of Stephen Ministers. Have you ever wondered why the name “Stephen”? In the book of Acts, Stephen was chosen to provide caring ministry to those in need. Caring for others has been an important part of our Christian faith since the time of the Apostles.
What do Stephen Ministers do? Stephen Ministers provide a confidential, non-judgmental, caring relationship during a challenging time in your life. Stephen Ministers are not counselors and do not give advice ~ they listen. Here is what one woman had to say about her relationship with her Stephen Minister:
“My Stephen Minister’s weekly visits became an anchor in my life – something I could rely on when everything else was so uncertain. She was a steady reminder of God’s presence, helping me know I was never alone.”
If you are facing a difficult time in your life, you are not alone.
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Stephen Ministry, a dream for many years at Main Street UMC, is finally reality in 2011. After more than a year of preparation, our newest ministry is now available to this congregation and community to provide decidedly Christian, one-to-one care to hurting people.
With the commissioning of Main Street’s team, our Stephen Ministers joined over 10,000 Christian Churches around the world offering the widely recognized ministry of compassionate and confidential relationships. Main Street is the first Stephen Ministry church in Kernersville.
Stephen Ministers provide distinctively Christian care to individuals who are experiencing some of life’s difficult periods, such as grief, job loss, hospitalization, divorce, and home confinement to name but a few. All care receivers are assured of a completely confidential relationship. Stephen Ministers are not clinicians or counselors, but fellow Christians with special training who will listen to care receivers using Christ’s commandment that we love one another.
If any members of our congregation are interested in having a Stephen Minister assigned to them, they should contact Phil Kuntz, Emily Dreshfield or Melissa Dreshfield for additional information.
