Stephen Ministry
of First United Methodist Church, Sikeston, Missouri

What is Stephen Ministry?

     ...A one-to-one ministry by trained, caring lay persons to those who are hurting for various reasons, whether it be loneliness, grief, depression or other stresses of life.
     ...A confidential long-term helping relationship that focuses on the unique needs of each individual who seeks a Stephen Minister contact.
     ...A commitment to care and support one another, to build a Christ-centered, sharing community.
     ...A lay person's response to Christ's instruction to "love one another as I have loved you."
     ...A religious and educational system of training and organization that is working in more than 6,000 congregations throughout the world
     ...A ministry named after Stephen, the first deacon in the early church, who was commissioned by the apostles to care for the community's needs.
     ...A meaningful way for persons to more fully use their talents in sharing one another's burdens and joys.
     ...A hands-on Christian witness providing the opportunity to make a difference in another person's life.
   

Who are the FUMC Stephen Ministers?


Our Stephen Ministers and Leaders:
Seated from left: Sandra Raggett, Kim Brooks, Julie Bohannon, Stephen Ministers
Standing from left: Rev. Bill Koch, Stephen Leader; Shirley Warner and Evelyn Angelos, Stephen Ministers; Rev. Elbridge Bartley, Stephen Leader; and Janet Eilders, Stephen Minister.

New Stephen Ministers commissioned in 2005, not pictured, are: Karen Chapman, Carol Gilmore, Glenn and Nancy Lemmons, David and Terri Matthew and Joe Munger.  The other Stephen Leader is Angie Sharp.

What kinds of needs are addressed?

     Stephen Ministry addresses the needs of people who are... 
     ...grieving the loss of a loved one
    ...lonely
    ...just home from the hospital
    ...experiencing a job loss or financial setback
    ...burdened with the daily care of another person.
    ...struggling with the faith
    ...separated or divorcing
    ...other areas of stress in which it would help to talk with a caring individual

How Does Stephen Ministry work?

     Our Stephen Minister leaders, Rev. Elbridge Bartley and Rev. Bill Koch, received intense training to enable them to train lay persons in this caring ministry.  The professional training program prepares men and women who apply to care for many needs in our congregation.  The 50 hours of training include topics such as feelings, assertiveness, crisis management and intervention, use of prayer and the Bible, listening, confidentiality and specialized needs.
     Following training, the Stephen Ministers are commissioned and then assigned to work confidentially with a person who has requested the service.  The Stephen Ministers meet weekly with the person to whom they've been assigned until the need subsides.  They work in consultation with clergy and meet twice a month to receive regular, ongoing education in the helping ministry.

How Do I Learn More about This Program?

     To learn more about the Sikeston FUMC Stephen Ministry program, or if you wish to participate as a care giver or care receiver, please contact Stephen Minister leaders Elbridge Bartley or Rev. Bill Koch.  They may be reached through the church office at 573-471-3283. You may also make contact through the church's email address: 1stumc@sbmu.net