Stephen Ministers are lay Christians who have received 50 hours of initial training in order to provide effective one-on-one confidential care to others.  Stephen Ministers typically make a two year commitment to serve, meeting with their assigned care recipient once a week.  During this time a Stephen Minister will provide care, encouragement, and a chance to pray by visiting faithfully. They will listen to concerns and bring Christ’s love and care to their recipient.  Stephen Ministers also meet in small groups with their Stephen Leaders twice a month for supervision.  With Stephen Ministry, people no longer have to go through crises and difficulties alone. Instead they have a Stephen Minister, a well trained, caring Christian friend who will walk alongside them for as long as necessary, providing the emotional and spiritual care they need.

For more general information, go to www.stephenministries.org or to find out more about Bear Creek’s program, email nurture@bcumc.org.