Stephen Ministry: Insights on Leader Training

Here are personal insights from new TTUMC Stephen Leaders on their recent experience at the Leaders Training in Orlando.

Shields Clark

I have spent seven days of most intense and rewarding training with five of the most enjoyable “family” members imaginable. We have worked from morning to night and were so excited about the possibility of bringing Stephen Ministries to the church that we also worked at meals and any other spare time we had so that we could get started as soon as possible. We hope to bring that excitement home and to share it with you.

We have learned how to be Jesus to people who need a friend to walk beside, to listen, to encourage, to cry with them, as long as it takes to help them get on their feet.

Cindy Ross

I took the fifty hours of training to become a Stephen Minister and was commissioned in 1995. It was a big commitment, and I wasn't sure before the training if I really had the gifts to effectively serve in this ministry. However, during the two-year commitment made, I was continually amazed at God's healing power, love and grace, as I trusted Him to be the cure-giver in my care-giving relationships. Since becoming a part of TTUMC, I hoped for Stephen Ministry to be revived here but didn't pursue it because "I didn't have the time." Thankfully, others did pursue it, and our Pastor has enthusiastically embraced reactivating our Stephen Ministry program. While participating in the Experiencing God Discipleship study group the last few months, I came to realize that I needed to be a part of this right away. I was able to say "Yes, Lord" to Stephen Ministry Leadership, knowing that He who called me would equip me.

Our team of six learned, listened, prayed, fellowshipped and grew during our week together at Stephen Leader Training in Orlando. We are united in purpose to make sure the body of Christ at TTUMC is abundantly cared for, along with others in our community. The congregation will be seeing a big roll-out on Stephen Ministry in the next few weeks. Though the roll-out may be loud, the ministry will be quiet and behind-the-scenes. It is a caring, confidential ministry, with safety and trust foundational. A Stephen Minister is a caregiver just for you, who will walk with you and offer the light of Christ in your dark times. I thank the Lord for allowing me another chance to be a Stephen minister and leader.

Andy Arace

A short blurb is not sufficient to relate the enormity of the emotion, effort and learning that occurred over the seven days of training we had last week.

As a young Christian, I was not sure about my commitment and calling to this ministry, but after the first day of training I understood the Holy Spirit brought me here for a purpose. By the end of training, I felt empowered and knew this was something I have to, want to and am called to be part of. Why? Simply put, Stephen’s Ministers make a difference in peoples’ lives.

Stephen Ministers bring Christ’s love to those who are hurting through distinctive Christian care. This singular purpose and the 60 hours of training we received have prepared our team to equip, support and grow this into an enduring, strong ministry.

Our church’s decision to invest in our entire team’s training this past week was the right one. It allowed us to learn together, plan together and build our relationship as your Stephen Ministry Leader Team. I’d like to personally thank all of you for this opportunity to grow in Christ. I look forward to answering your questions about Stephen Ministry.

Yvette Moore

A commitment to bring Christ’s love to hurting people was the common theme that resonated throughout our 7 day Stephen Leaders Training event. Throughout the sessions where 383 were in attendance, we learned from the leaders, and each other, essential skills to allow us to care for and love each other as Christ loves us.

The training event, although quite intense and extraordinary given the range of topics covered, along with the different teaching styles and the varied mediums used, was the most insightful, in-depth, spiritually uplifting training I have ever experienced. Daily, throughout the training, I felt humbled to be part of such an important venture ….becoming equipped to provide a means for lay people to do meaningful ministry one to another…….just as the scripture says: “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way, fulfill the law of Christ.” (Gal. 6:2). I could not help but to express my personal thanks to Dr. Kenneth Haugk, the co-founder, and applauded his efforts and sacrifice for staying the course to realize this awesome vision for ministry.

I am blessed to have shared this spiritually enriching experience with my TTUMC team. My prayer is that God will use us to fulfill the vision of reviving this vital ministry that is an extension of the pastoral care ministry here at our church. I thank God and I thank you for blessing me with this experience. I am earnestly looking forward to partnering with our Stephen Leaders team to equip our church family for this ministry of service through Christian caregiving.