Stephen Ministers answer this call in a special way by “being there” for people in crisis or people who need a Christian presence amid the struggles of life. Divorce, addictions, loss of job, loss of loved one or depression are situations where persons become overwhelmed and need a Christian friend to walk with them during the crisis.
Each Stephen Minister receives over 50 hours of intense training. This training was developed by Dr. Kenneth Haugk. As pastor, clinical psychologist, author and educator, Haugk saw a great need in his own congregation for helping people get through trying times. He wanted his venture to be spiritual in nature, so he searched the Scripture for a base. He chose Acts 6:2-5A. Thus, Stephen Ministry was born to bring the body of Christ together as partners in ministry. A Stephen Minister is a caring, compassionate friend, a good listener, a firm believer in God and someone who can keep confidences.
The referred, known in Stephen Ministry as the care receiver, and a Stephen Minister will be paired. The Stephen Minister will call the care receiver to set a time to meet, and the confidential caring relationship has been established.
Some people find it hard to admit they need help; but in fact, realizing that one needs help in a life transition and then seeking that help is a sign of strength, as well as an opportunity to grow personally and spiritually.
There is a great benefit in talking to an objective person when it isn’t possible or practical to share with a family member.
A Stephen Minister is ready to be that person who might be of help as a confidential, active listener and compassionate caregiver.
The late Father Hank Franklin from Emmanuel Episcopal began the Stephen Ministry program over 12 years ago for his congregation. In 1999, Dr. Mark Wethington, former senior pastor from Southern Pines United Methodist Church, and Franklin saw a need for an ecumenical Stephen Ministry program for the Sandhills. The Rev. Sue Hudson, a trained Stephen Leader, then newly appointed co-pastor from Bethesda, called and wanted to join the Sandhills group. Then the Rev. Erin Martin, associate pastor of Southern Pines United Methodist, joined as a trained Stephen Leader. Over the years, more than 50 persons have been trained as Stephen Ministers and began their work in their respective congregations. In 2004, Community Presbyterian became a Stephen Ministry congregation and joined the Sandhills Stephen Ministry Program.
The Christian Caregiving ministry at Bethesda and Community Presbyterian, Emmanuel and Southern Pines United Methodist Churches is growing.
Thirteen people recently attended Camp Rockfish for a weekend retreat, beginning their 50 hours of training.
“We are pleased to be able to expand our caring ministry in our third training class in an ecumenical setting,” said the Rev. Erin Martin..
The program is under the leadership of the Rev. Sue Hudson from Bethesda Presbyterian, Stu and Sue Brothers and Ann Arnold from Community Presbyterian, the Rev. Carol Burgess and Tim Burgess, Bobbie Hay and the Rev. Talmadge Bandy of Emmanuel Episcopal, the Rev. Erin Martin, Myron and Barbara Dice from Southern Pines United Methodist Churches.
To date more than 45,000 Stephen Ministers in 9,000 congregations throughout the United States, Canada and several foreign countries representing more than 100 different denominations have implemented this program of lay Christian care giving. Stephen Ministries in St. Louis, Mo., developed the Stephen Series.
Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry. Those receiving care can be sure that their identity and what goes on in the caring relationship will remain private.
In addition to the 50 hours of training, these Christian lay caregivers will continue to receive continuing education each month. Barbara Dice from Southern Pines United Methodist coordinates this portion of training, where tenured and trainees meet. Each congregation holds its own peer supervision in their church setting once a month.
“The four congregations are excited to offer the care and love of our Stephen Ministers to our congregation and community,” said the Rev. Sue Hudson.
“It is a wonderful opportunity for persons in crisis to access Christian support that otherwise may not be available,” said Myron Dice of SPUMC.
These four congregations expect their Stephen Ministry to continue to be a source of warmth, care and blessing for many years to come; enabling their congregations to grow as nurturing communities where people are cherished and cared for, and their needs taken seriously.
