Hertford United

Methodist Church

is a

Stephen Ministry Church

That means our congregation equips lay people to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to individuals who are experiencing crises in their lives.

A person might qualify for such care if he or she is experiencing:

  • The loss of a love one
  • Hospitalization
  • Divorce or separation
  • Loneliness or discouragement
  • Spiritual crises
  • Unemployment or a job crisis
  • A terminal illness
  • Incarceration
  • Aging
  • Birth, adoption, miscarriage, infertility
  • A chronic illness
  • Recovery after an accident or disaster
  • And many more

Stephen Ministry is Confidential

The identity of those receiving care and what take place in each caring relationship remains private.

Stephen Ministry Multiplies Ministry

Pastors will always be on the front lines of care, especially during times of crisis. But there are always many more needs for ongoing, care than pastors can effectively meet by themselves. Gifted lay people are trained to support and extend the care that pastors continue to provide.

A Stephen Minister Is…

  • A child of God who walks beside a person who is hurting
  • A congregation member with gifts for caregiving, 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 Ministry in our Congregation

If you, or someone you know, could benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister…

If you are interested in possibly becoming a Stephen Minister…

If you have any other questions about Stephen Ministry…

… contact Pastor Larry Bowden or one of the Stephen Leaders (Conna Gesler, Dee Goss or Carroll Harrell) at 252-426 5467.

Stephen Ministries St. Louis Supports Our Congregation’s Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministries is a not-for-profit Christian educational organization based in St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 1975, Stephen Ministries provides training and resources to thousands of congregations and organizations worldwide.

“Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

“Therefore encourage one another and build up each other.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11