Springfield United Methodist Church

STEPHEN MINISTRY  A central part of our Mission at SUMC is to "Share His Love." Stephen Ministry provides a concrete way to do just that. If you or someone you know is struggling with medical issues, grief, financial burdens, depression, and a whole host of other challenges that we all face from time to time, Stephen Ministry is designed to help. We're not professional counselors, therapists, pastors, or investment advisors, but we do know how to listen, pray with you, and be there when you're going through rough times.. His Love makes every burden lighter. Please contact one of our pastors or Rose Horton for more information. --Sharon Marshall, Stephen Leader We are a Stephen Ministry Congregation

Stephen Ministry is...
a program of our congregation that equips lay persons to provide distinctively Christian one to one, same gender care to those who are experiencing all kinds of life needs and circumstances, both in our congregation and community.

Stephen Ministers are committed Christian people who...

• express God's care through their lives to others;
• receive 50 hours of initial training in important caring ministry skills and concepts;
• are commissioned as Stephen Ministers after completing their initial training;
• visit another person regularly and dependably and offer Christian support and care;
• participate in regular support and supervision under the guidance of trained Stephen Leaders;
• are committed to preserving the confidential nature of the caring relationship;
• receive continuing education and skill building throughout their years of service.

Stephen Ministers meet the needs of people. There are times when each of us needs the care of another person, a Christian friend, a Stephen minister!
These needs include but are not limited to...

• the terminally ill and their families
• people who move into or out of our community
• those grieving a death or serious loss
• the homebound and institutionalized
• those with a job loss or crisis transition
• the aging and elderly
• those with disabilities and their families
• those needing the support of a Christian friend
• those facing life transitions
• the separated or divorced
• households experiencing birth or adoption
• those in spiritual crisis

Stephen Ministry is confidential ministry: those receiving care can be sure that their identity and what goes on in the caring relationship will remain private.

About the Leaders of Our Congregation's Stephen Ministry...

Stephen Leaders are trained lay persons who have completed a seven-day Stephen Series Leader's Training Course and are commissioned to lead the Stephen Ministry of our congregation.

Our congregation's Stephen Leaders can....

• help you or someone you know receive care from a Stephen Minister;
• tell you how to become a Stephen Minister;
• tell you about Stephen Ministry training and our next training class;
• answer other questions about our congregation's Stephen Ministry program.

Are you in need or know someone in need? Then contact  our Senior Pastor, Larry Craddock 703-451-2375.

To find out more about this world-wide caring ministry, visit the Stephen Ministry website.