We are currently seeking individuals that have a compassionate heart and an ability to listen to those in need.  If you have been told that you are a great listener with a love to help your fellow man and would like more information about becoming a Stephen Minister, please contact one of our Stephen Leaders or Pastor Lane.  A new class will be starting soon, so talk to God and your family to see if this ministry is a good fit for you.  

Pastors will always be on the front lines of care, especially during times of crisis. But there are always many more needs for ongoing, one-to-one care than pastors can effectively meet by themselves. Stephen Ministry provides a Biblical solution by equipping God’s people for ministry. Gifted lay people are trained to support and extend the care that pastors continue to provide. Stephen Ministers reach out with God’s love to people who are hurting—both congregation members and nonmembers alike. For more information, Stephen Ministry

What is Stephen Ministry? Our congregation’s Stephen Ministry equips lay people to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to individuals in our congregation and community who are experiencing difficulties in their lives. A Stephen Minister is…

·         A child of God who walks beside a person who is hurting.
·         A congregation member with gifts for care-giving who was carefully selected to serve in this role.
·         A lay person who has received 50 hours of training in providing emotional and spiritual care.
·         A caring Christian friend who listens, cares, prays, supports and encourages.
·         Someone who will “be there” for his or her care receiver, meeting faithfully for about an hour each week, for as long as there’s a need

Stephen Ministers care for people facing tough times: We all experience challenges in life — times when we would benefit from the support of a caring Christian friend.  Stephen Ministers are ready to provide the emotional and spiritual care we need when faced with a crisis or difficulty such as —-

·         Loss of a loved one
·         Hospitalization
·         Divorce or separation/marriage difficulty
·         Loneliness or discouragement
·         Spiritual crisis
·         Unemployment or a job crisis
·         A terminal illness
·         Incarceration
·         Aging/Care of the elderly
·         Birth, adoption, miscarriage, infertility
·         A chronic illness
·         Relocation
·         Recovery after an accident or disaster
·         Many more life situations

Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry:  The identity of those receiving care and what takes place in each caring relationship remain private.
As a member of the Pembroke FUMC church family, Stephen Ministry is YOUR ministry: You play an important role in our Stephen Ministry.  Here’s what you can do:

·         PRAY for God to bring hope and healing to hurting people through our Stephen Ministry.

·         ACCEPT CARE from a Stephen Minister during your time of need. God doesn’t expect you to bear your burdens alone.

·         TELL A FRIEND, neighbor, coworker, or relative who is hurting about our Stephen Ministry program. We care for all of      God’s children, not just those belonging to our congregation.

·         CONSIDER becoming a Stephen Minister if you are a good listener and a compassionate person.

·         CONTACT our Pastor or one of our Stephen Leaders if you know someone who could benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister or if you are interested in possibly becoming a Stephen Minister.

                     Could you benefit from the confidential, one-to-one care of a Stephen Minister? Do you know someone else who could benefit from Stephen Ministry?  To find out more about Stephen Ministry at Pembroke First UMC, see one of our Stephen Leaders: