Stephen Ministry


Our Stephen Ministry

The Stephen Ministry program is a confidential, distinctively Christian caring ministry of First United Methodist Church. Stephen Ministry provides confidential one-on-one care to the the bereaved, hospitalized, terminally ill, separated, divorced, unemployed, relocated, and to others facing a crisis or life challenge.


Care is provided by trained lay caregivers (called Stephen Ministers).  Each Stephen Minister undergoes extensive training through a structured and confidential method for delivering a Christ-centered, one-to-one caring ministry within our congregation and our community. Stephen Ministers are trained to deliver distinctively Christian care.


This ministry was developed by a non-profit, religious and educational organization based in St. Louis, Missouri, and was brought to FUMC in 2000.  Stephen Ministry links us to more than 9,000 congregations from more than 100 Christian denominations, in all 50 states, nine Canadian provinces, and 21 other countries that are now involved in the ministry.


Stephen Ministry helps our pastors and congregation provide caring ministry for as long as people need it. If you feel that the Stephen Ministry program might help you, or If you know that a friend would benefit from Stephen Ministry (even if they are not a member of our congregation) tell them about the ministry and call the church office at 501.623.6668 or contact any pastor.

Become a Stephen Minister

Would you like to learn and provide supportive Christian care to others who are going through difficult times?  Are you a “wounded healer” who wants to learn how to share with others the healing God has given you? If you answered yes to any of these questions, perhaps you will consider training as a Stephen Minister when it is offered at FUMC. Call the church office at 501.623.6668 for information.


Click here to download the Stephen Minister Application.