Stephen Ministry
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your mind in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:7
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A Stephen Ministry Story - Barnabas and Mark |
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Barnabas boldly proclaimed God’s Word throughout the Roman Empire at the same time that Paul did. His name means," the son of encouragement.” And while we might call Stephen, the first Stephen Minister (Acts 6), Barnabas could appropriately be considered the second. He had all the characteristics of a Stephen Minister: full of faith, mercy, patience, and encouragement. Acts 15:36-41 recounts the planning of Paul’s second missionary journey. It begins with a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas on whether to take Mark on the journey. Paul is strongly against it, citing an earlier journey to Pamphylia in which Mark for some reason abandoned them (Acts 13:13). The details are sketchy, but it apparently was enough for Paul to lose trust in Mark as a faithful dependable missionary companion. But Barnabas assertively stood up for Mark, which may not have been easy to do against Paul. He looked past Mark’s flaws and had confidence that Mark was a man he could trust on such an important mission. Paul and Barnabas resolved the incident by going on separate missionary journeys; Paul and Silas to Syria and Cilicia, and Barnabas and Mark to Cyprus. Barnabas’ encouragement for and patience with Mark likely had a significant positive impact on Mark’s self-image and future as an apostle. We later learn that Barnabas’ confidence was justified, because Mark even earns his way back into Paul’s favor (2 Timothy 4:11). Because Barnabas had faith that a young man could overcome an earlier mistake or misjudgment, the young church was blessed with two missionary journeys instead of one – and we have the Gospel of Mark. How can you be a Barnabas to someone this week, believing in him or her despite earlier misjudgments or mistakes? Stephen Ministry is a ministry of encouragement. A Stephen Minister, like Barnabas, maintains faith and confidence that someone can overcome adversity and reach their God-given potential. The payoff for such confidence can be astounding. Just ask Barnabas or Mark. |
Stephen Ministry is...
a program of our congregation that equips lay persons to provide distinctively Christian one-to-one 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 offer Christian support and care;
- participate in regular support and supervision under the guidance of trained Stephen leaders;
- are commited to preserving the confidential nature of the caring relationship;
- serve for at least two years;
- receive continuing education and skill building throughout their years of service.
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion."
Colossians 3:12
About the Leaders of Our Congregation's Stephen Ministry...
Stephen Leaders are pastors, church staff, and/or 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.
How You Can Support Our Congregation's Stephen Ministry...
- Pray for our Stephen Leaders and Stephen Ministers as they provide Christian care to others.
- Pray for all who are receiving confidential care through the Stephen Ministry of our congregation.
- Tell Stephen Leaders about those who might benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister; be sure to get that person's permission first!
- Tell others in our community about the availability of our congregation's Stephen Ministry and the care it can provide.
- Receive Stephen Ministry when you are in need of supportive Christian care.
- Consider Serving as a Stephen Minister.
- Suppport Stephen Ministry with your financial gifts.
If you would like more information about Stephen Ministry, contact a Stephen Leader at stephenministry@fumc-rr.org or call Rev. John Clifford or Rev. John Aymond at 255-3336, Carol Crawford at 671-3989, Robin Alkek at 310-2787, Robert Sherwood at 587-4349, or Lucy Aymond at 864-7324.