Stephen Ministry
“
Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” Galatians 6:2
Stephen Ministry is a confidential, one-to-one, pastoral care ministry for people going through a crisis. We provide a trained layperson to walk beside you through grief, separation and divorce, job transition, childbirth, family issues, empty nest, retirement, and any number of challenges life throws at you. These trained laypersons are members of Buford First UMC and will listen, care, encourage, pray with and for you, and provide weekly support for you as long as your need persists.
Stephen Ministry is designed to train laypeople for one-to one caring Christian ministry. Loving others in Jesus’ name is a challenge and an opportunity for all who are God’s children. Likewise, the joy of helping others is the privilege of all Christians, for the Holy Spirit has given gifts to each Christian to use in service to others and to build up the church (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). Stephen Ministry will rely on the gifts the Holy Spirit has given to our lay members so that, as more people are equipped to care, Christ’s love for us will be able to go out from us in ever greater and more effective ways.
If you have any questions, please speak with one of our four trained Stephen Leaders whom will be guiding this new and exciting ministry. Your Stephen Leaders are:
- Suzanne Best
- Ashley Crossett
- Gerry Mattox
- Donna Thomas
How Do I Become a Stephen Minister?
If you are interested in being a Stephen Minister, please download and complete the confidential Stephen Minister Application and return it to one of our Stephen Leaders listed above. For more information on this ministry, please contact Ashley Crossett or check out some of the information in the documents available for download here:
DOWNLOAD >> Stephen Ministry – Media Fact Sheet
DOWNLOAD >> Stephen Ministers – The After People
DOWNLOAD >> Training Calendar for 2011-12 Stephen Ministry Training