Stephen Ministry: Insights on ministry training

Here are personal insights from our new TTUMC Stephen Ministers on their recent experience at ministers training. They were commissioned June 6 at a special, combined service, and now they look to help those who are hurting with one-to-one Christian care.

Linda Bilger

This training has had a humbling effect in my life. We all want to fix, but it is healing that we need. Christ is the Healer. Stephen Ministry teaches us how to "bear each other's burdens." It is a distinctive way to demostrate God's love by being present for others during difficult times. This can be so challenging with the many different hurting situations that we'll encounter. No one goes through life without problems, but having someone there with you can make a big difference. I've learned how to have reflective conversations and sharpened my listening skills through working with the other team members and the wonderful leadership. It was a joy to learn with these caring individuals.

Mike Cummings

I had been praying for more than a year for god to show me what he would have me fo for our church and our church family. It was difficult to be patient. I'm not so good at that. As soon as I heard about the Stephen Ministry, I knew immediatley that it was what I had been waiting and looking for. It fit the perspective from my vocation and also in regards to my spiritual gifts. I believe that God has put me here at this time for this purpose. He provided me and the other Stephen Ministers with Christ-centered professional training. He guided me and my colleagues with acquired skills to attempt to heal others with his peace and understanding. I see the Stephen Ministry as being a support to pastor and to you. What a wonderful opportunity to serve.

Marge Ellison

Several years ago when Stephen Ministry was a part of TTUMC, I wanted very much to be involved in it but was unable to do so at the time. I heard some hints of it possibly starting up again, and I knew I had to be involved this time, so I prayed about it just before I went on my Walk to Emmaus. My table leader at the Emmaus was a Stephen Minister. I felt like God was really calling me to get involved in that ministry, and I made a commitment right then to do so.

I inquired about it and found that once the Stephen Leaders were trained they would be taking applications for Stephen Ministers to begin training in mid-February. This was a big challenge for me because I work for a CPA, and that is the beginning of tax season, our busiest time of the year. I prayed about it and spoke with the Stephen Leaders and close friends about the challenge. A couple of people really encouraged me, and then God clearly told me that if I would commit to it, He would help me through it.

Margie Fox

The many truths I learned through the Stephen Ministry training seemed almost too much to absorb, until I paused and remembered that this is a calling from God, and He will provide. It was exciting to learn that God has gifted other Stephen Ministers with the ability to write these truths into a comprehensive format. He was gifted othes as leaders and trainers so that they may share with those who hear God's call to help His hurting ones.

The time spent in training went by quickly, and the rewards were so great. Not only does a Stephen Minister-in-training learn about the needs of other hurting people, but the Stephen Minister is also enlightened about his/her own needs and healings took place as followed the study plan. Through clearly written material in our manuals, role playing, companion texts and professionally done DVD's, we were given insights into the minds and hearts or hurting children of God.

Jean Hope

It occurred to me early on in my training that I was being ministered to ... even as I was learning. The process of sharing within our group setting opened up discussions that provided healing and comfort for my own personal journey. The training showed me that what I thought was the way to assist people in crisis was not exactly on target. It has been eye-opening and therefore exciting to take in all that was presented.

As the class sessions progressed, some of the topics were very challenging to deal with, but having now completed the training, I have gained the confidence that through this ministry, each of us as Stephen Ministers can meet the needs of people who are dealing with the difficulties real life throws our way.

Jane Latina

The Stephen Ministry program has been my passion since it began at TTUMC many years ago, so naturally I wanted to be a part of its revival here. I was not excited about again spending 50 hours in training but proceeded anyway. My excitement has grown withe ach session. The training has been a wonderful time of growth, learning, practicing and preparation for each of us. I have increased in faith and confidence that, as a Stephen Minister, I will be the caregiver and God will be the curegiver. I truly look forard to the opportunity to serve as a Stephen Minister.

Julie McClung

The Stephen Ministry training was an amazing experience for me. I learned a lot of caring skills that I was able to leverage during my family's time of bereavement with the recent loss of my father. I was suddenly placed in a position where I a care receiver, as well as a caregiver to my family. Throughout the sadness at our loss, I felt God's presence as the curegiver, as he guided me with the right comforting words, touch and presence as I ministered.

The role playing in our training provided situational experiences that were relevant to our life experiences, and I feel more prepared as I anticipate working with a care receiver.

Kelly Perez

What a journey Stephen Ministry training had been for me. It showed me how I can use my caring ways for other people. I do know that Jesus will always be with me each time I do a caring visit. During our training, some of us encountered some real life needs, and our teachings went into effect. Some of us used the skills of being more compassionate and helped each other go through the pain that was being experienced. It was a great feeling to have someone walk next to you and give you the love and care that you needed. This is an amazing ministry in which we have been called to serve. I look forward to whatever path God chooses to lead me as I help another person in need.

Phyllis Rabb

It's been a privilege to be a part of the Stephen Ministry Training here at TTUMC. The leadership has been dedicated and effective and a wonderful witness to sacrifical giving. I learned so much in just watching them and seeing how lovely they gave of themselves.

I had taken the training in another church about 25 years ago, but found that I had new ears to hear and eyes to see this time around. The Lord continually showed me the areas I need to grow in to be an effective Stephen Minister. I know that I can't do it alone and am so glad to know that the Lord will fill in the gaps and give me what I need. I'm also glad to know that we will have help from the Stephen Ministry leadership, as we seek to serve.

Debbie Salinger

I have been blessed to have spent 5- life-changing hours with 11 saints, Stephen Ministers. The practicum within the training gave us opportunities to become caregivers to one another. Sometimes the role-play scenarios particulars were given, other times we had to provide our own. It is through the latter that I experienced garegiving situations that were quite real, with real emotions, rel caring, comforting and genuine love. We prayed for one another, and it was evident that the Curer, our Lord, was present. I say Stephen Ministry has already started among us.

Peter Salinger

When I first heard of the Stephen Ministry, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. Being a young Christian, my only concern was did I have the gifts necessary to be a successful Stephen Minister.

Fifty hours later, I have found out how I have been  blessed with the tools necessary to walk side by side with people who are hurting to show them Christ's love. Although not easy, this has been an incredible walk for me. I have been truly blessed to be a part of this training with 11 other special people. We have all laughed and cried together, and we have all learned from each other. We have formed friendships that can be called nothing less than special. I would be remiss if I did not tell you how wonderful the instructors were and that we could not have done it without them, They also are truly blessed.

Marion Vivian

We have come to the end of our 50 hours of training, andd it has truly been a blessing for me to experience this opportunity, both in my personal life and relationships, and as a Stephen Minister in training. I have learned much about myself as well as how to help hurting people as I would lead them toward the healing powers of Christ. With God's guidance, and in the fellowship and love of my family of trainees and leaders, I learned to really listen and use many other skills while offering care.