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Mission Statement of
Central United Methodist Church

The purpose of Central United Methodist Church is to be a center of spiritual growth, focused on Christ, sharing the Scripture,
while serving all with unconditional love.

STEPHEN MINISTRY

WE PLAN TO BEGIN A NEW CLASS FOR STEPHEN MINISTERS THIS FALL
If you think you might be interested or would like more information, fill out this form and put it in the collection plate.
Please send information about Stephen Minister training to:

Name:______________________________________

Phone: _____________________________________

Or contact: Rena Dilworth 962-8214 or Phil Dorrell 962-8543.

WHAT IS STEPHEN MINISTRY?
· Stephen Ministry is in some ways a very
old, and a very new form of lay ministry in our church.

· It is very old, because it is how the very
first Christians cared for one another. It was personified in the person of Stephen, the church’s first deacon. Christians reached out to those in need, they ministered to one another as Christ instructed them to do, “Love one another as I have loved you.”

· It is very new, because it is built solidly
on that Biblical message and intensively
trains and prepares lay people to reach
out and care for those who are experiencing problems in their lives, helping to supplement the pastors’ care.

· It is a confidential, on-going, helping
relationship scheduled with regularity
and dependability.

· It is a meaningful way for our church to
strengthen our many gifts by sharing one another’s burdens and joys.

If you feel God calling you to this Ministry please contact one of our Stephen Leaders, Rena Dilworth (962-9214) or Phil Dorrell (962-8543). We are looking at a class that would begin in the fall.

YOU can play an important role in our Stephen Ministry...Because you may know of a friend, neighbor, co-worker, or relative who is going through a difficult time and who could benefit from the focused care, encouragement and support of a Stephen Minister. If you know of someone who is hurting, talk with one of our Stephen Leaders: (Phil Dorrell at 962-8543 or Rena Dilworth at 962-8214). They can talk with you about how we can connect the person you know with one of our Stephen Ministers. It’s a great way for you to show how much you care!

Where Did It All Start?
Stephen Ministry has been around since 1975, when Kenneth Haugk, a pastor and clinical psychologist, began it to multiply the caregiving in his congregation in St. Louis, Missouri. We have had Stephen Ministers here at Central for more than ten years and are one of more than 7,000 Stephen Ministry congregations from more than 90 denominations. Stephen Ministries St. Louis, the organization behind this international ministry, is headquartered in Missouri.

Through information, we hope you will give prayerful consideration to becoming a Stephen Minster in the future. Classes are generally offered every two years. You are also our “eyes and ears” within the Christian family; if you are informed about our ministry then you can offer it to those who are in need of a caring relationship. If you have a question, please contact Phil Dorrell at 962-8543 or Rena Dilworth at 962-8214.

STEPHEN MINISTRY SCENARIOS

Scenario One

Tired...the day-in, day-out routine of caring for him is finally getting you down. And he isn’t getting any better. You’re exhausted...you need someone to care for you. A Stephen Minister can be this person. She won’t push advice on you...instead, your Stephen Minister will listen and care for you, helping you sort through your feelings and discover the resources you need to make it through.

Scenario Two

Different...You remember looking at people with disabilities in the past. Now you are one of them. Anger, denial, sadness—and the need to get your life back together again. A Stephen Minister can help you find the resources you need to rebuild your life.

Scenario Three

Alcoholism/Drug Addiction...No cast or crutches, no injections. Nothing you can see. But he’s still sick. His behavior is strange and unpredictable. Substance Abuse. Sometimes you worry he might hurt himself or someone else. The constant tension is hard to live with. When one family member has an addiction problem, the whole family suffers. By listening and helping you sort through your feelings, a Stephen Minister can provide the caring support to keep you going.

Scenario Four

As the holidays approach, a vague sense of sadness settles on you. Where is the joy of yester year? Why are the kids so far away? How can I recapture the feelings of this season? Is God angry with me because I feel so depressed? Your Stephen Minister can listen, pray and help you work through feelings of lonliness and sadness this year. Contact Phil Dorrell at 962-8543 or Rena Dilworth at 962-8214.

Contact Phil Dorrell at 962-8543 or Rena Dilworth at 962-8214.

How Much Does It Cost? Stephen Ministry is a caregiving ministry available to our members and community free of charge. Contact Phil Dorrell at 962-8543 or Rena Dilworth at 962-8214.