First United Methodist Church, Topeka
Thursday, September 09, 2010

Stephen Ministry

Stephen ministers are trained lay members of the congregation
who are caring and supportive Christian servants
with a desire to be with those in a time of need, grief or crisis.

Do I Really Need Care?

  • Am I confused about events in my life?
  • Do I feel like I have lost control of my life and my problems?
  • Do I doubt God's presence and love for me?
  • Am I hurting?
  • Do my job worries seem too great to handle? Are they getting me down?
  • Am I feeling lonely? Do I often wish I had someone to share my thought with?
  • Have there been changes in my life that have caused readjustments in my lifestyle?
  • Am I having difficulty making decisions and finding answers?
  • Have I recently suffered a loss?
  • Do I ever feel like I just want someone to listen?
  • Am I concerned about a pending operation? Am I fearful about a prognosis?

Can a Stephen Minister Help Me?

  • "I didn't know what to expect from my Stephen Minister, but he put me at ease. I had a friend I could trust and who really cared about me. My caregiver helped me to work things out for myself and had the patience to let me do it."
  • "When I really needed a friend, my Stephen Minister was there. We cried together, prayed together, talked, and now we laugh together."
  • "...I wanted answers and she asked questions. She knew how to see things in a new way and her questions helped me find my own answers. I though God had forgotten me, but my Stephen Minister helped me grow close to God."
  • "I wish the world was made up of people like my caregiver... Christians with God's own heart."
  • "As I was going through my divorce, I was afraid, lonely, and confused. My Stephen Minister gave me something no one else could . . . a kind, forgiving heart. She listened to me and helped me get through a very traumatic situation."

A Stephen Minster is . . . a trained lay member of the congregation who will visit with you weekly, listen, offer resources and referrals (if needed), pray with you and for you, and offer Christian love and support. Relationships and conversations are kept confidential.

They are caring,
supportive Christian people
who have a desire to be
with you in a time of need,
grief or crisis.

Reflection from a Care Receiver

"I had lots of people around me, but I felt like the loneliest person in the world. Everyone told me what they thought I should do, but no one wanted to hear me."

"My Stephen Minister is very special to me. I was listened to, cared about, prayed for, taught, loved, and nurtured. I have a true friend in Christ. I knew that I could discuss anything because it is all kept confidential."

Who do I call?

If you are in need of a Stephen Minister or know someone who is, or if you would like to learn more about the program, please contact the church office at (785) 233-8100. One of the Stephen Minister Leaders will contact you as soon as possible.