Stephen Ministry

Stephen Leaders
Callie McMahon


Stephen Ministers (as of August 2018)
Callie McMahon, Nancie Burns, Kris Harrington, Gerrie Hopkins, Liz White

Description
A Christ-centered ministry that trains lay members for one-to-one ministry for those in crisis.   

Activities
This involves a 50 hour training course, followed by twice monthly supervision, monthly group continuing education, and meeting with care receiver 1 hour per week. Stephen's Ministry has also sponsored a Blue Christmas service, and a Military Support Group in conjunction with the Outreach Committee.

Fundraisers


Volunteer opportunities & job descriptions
   
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Stephen Leader
   
Purpose of Ministry:A Christ-centered ministry that trains caring lay members for one-to-one ministry for those in crises.
   
Objectives:
To interview, train, support and supervise Stephen Ministers as they provide for the needs of those who are hurting - by listening, showing up, showing God's love, and walking beside those in need.
   
Activities:
      *   Seek out and encourage possible Stephen Ministers
      *   Participate in the interview process
      *   Support/participate in the 50 hours of initial training sessions and in further continuing education. (May include teaching, arranging for speakers, listening, observing, praying, and encouraging)
      *   Attend supervision sessions and train facilitators to lead small supervision groups.
      *   Participate in various commissioning services
      *   Promote Stephen Ministry through word, print and action
      *   Actively aware of and seeking out possible care receivers
      *   Match new Care Receivers with the appropriate Stephen Ministers.
   
Related Gifts
Servanthood, nurturing leadership, encouragement and many of the following: helping, discernment, mercy, wisdom, knowing, faith, evangelism, apostleship, shepherding and generosity

Other Qualities:
      *   Able to supervise, offering constructive criticism
      *   Commitment to a spiritual discipline (prayer, bible studies)
      *   Able to respond to unscheduled meetings or "emergencies"
      *   Able to listen, trust in God, be dependable and organized
      *   Must be a member of the Milford United Methodist Church
      *   Strong administrative and organization skills are a plus

Reports to:
      *   Accountable to the other members of the Stephen Leadership Team
      *   Ultimately represent/report to the Milford United Methodist Church membership
   
Service Times:
      *   Regularly attend twice monthly supervision
      *   Attend Stephen Leadership meetings as schedule
      *   Be available to discuss issues or problems
      *   Participate in Stephen Minister training
      *   Available to promote Stephen Ministry in our church and the community.
   
Length of Service:
Long term commitment
   
Training/Orientation:
Must apply to the Stephen Leadership Team for the position and then complete a week long training session provided by Stephen Ministry, St. Louis before commissioned and beginning service
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Stephen Minister
   
Purpose of Ministry:
A Christ-centered ministry that trains caring lay members for one-to-one ministry for those in crises.
   
Objectives:
To provide for the needs of those who are hurting by listening, showing up, showing God's love, and by simply walking beside them.
   
Activities:
      *   After application, interview and acceptance to the program, completing a 50 hour training course
      *   Participating in twice monthly supervision
      *   Participating in monthly group continuing education
      *   When assigned, meet with care receiver for one hour per week, completing all associated records of each contact
   
Related GiftsServanthood, many of the following: helping, discernment, mercy, wisdom, knowing, faith, encouragement and generosity.
   
Other Qualities:
      *   Must be Christ-centered, a good listener, compassionate, trusts in God, be dependable, and organized
      *   Must be a member of the Milford United Methodist Church
   
Reports to:
      *   Assigned supervision group
      *   Works closely with the Stephen Leadership Team
   
Service Times:
When assigned, expectation is one hour per week with care receiver as well as the twice monthly supervision meetings.
   
Length of Service:Two year commitment after commissioning, renewable each year thereafter.
   
Training/Orientation:Must complete the application and mandatory 50 hours of training before being commissioned and becoming an active Stephen Minister

See our Committee Contact page for more information.