Stephen Ministry

One to One Christian Caring

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. (1Peter 4:10)

After the touch of the Master's hand we are compelled to serve others. (Mt. 8:14-15)

People who are interested in serving others may apply to become a Stephen Minister. Those who apply and are accepted to become a Stephen Minister must commit to 50 hours of in-depth training, education and a minimum 2 years in care giving. Following the training there is a commissioning service. Trainees take a vow of commitment and confidentiality. A Stephen leader will then review and select Care Receivers from a referral list, assigning carefully and prayerfully, a Stephen Minister. During the weeks following commissioning and assignment, the Stephen Minister is committed to Supervision and continuing education.

Stephen Ministry History

The Stephen Series System, founded in 1975 by Dr. Kenneth C. Huagk, organizes Stephen Leader's work, defines Stephen Minister's service and structures the ministry that people in need receive. Development, evaluation, and updating over 30 years sets the Stephen Ministry series for one-to-one Christian caring apart from other Christian caring sources. Over 9,000 enrolled congregations and other organizations represent 150 Denominations. Nearly 52,000 Pastors and Lay Leaders have been trained at a Stephen Leader's Training course (TLC). There are approximately 450,000 people trained as a Stephen Minister in their local congregations. Over 1,000,000 people are cared for by a Stephen Minister around the world.

We at the Mesquite United Methodist Church are just a small fraction of the Ministry. Yet we serve, faithfully, our Mesquite area communities. We listen with love, compassion, trustworthiness, being full of faith, and skillfully. We ask you to prayerfully consider joining our current team. Look for those wearing their Stephen Minister or Leader name tags, ask questions.. we will be glad to answer all of them.

If you would like to be placed on a list to receive a
Stephen Minister see Joanne Johansen, Rev Lois Hedden or fill out the prayer card in the pew. If you know someone, you think, might need a Stephen Minister... first speak to them and then ask their permission to make the request for them... or assist them in making the request.  Thank you for you effort to help us locate those who need one-to-one Christian caring.