What is the Stephen Ministry?
The Stephen Ministry is a Christ centered caring ministry, where lay persons are trained and supervised to provide one-on-one Christian care to individuals facing life challenges or difficulties.

Who are Stephen Leaders?
The Cascade United Methodist Church (CUMC) team of Stephen Leaders is composed of lay persons who have completed a national Stephen Series Leader’s Training Course, been commissioned as a Stephan Leader, and who organize and manage the CUMC Stephen Ministry.

Who are Stephen Ministers?
Stephen Ministers are members of our congregation who have received 50 hours of training, been commissioned, care regularly for an assigned care receiver, and participate faithfully in Small Group Peer Supervision and continuing education.

Who are Care Receivers?
Care receivers are people from our congregation who are experiencing any of life’s difficulties.

What will a Stephen Minister do with you? How can a Stephen Minister help?
A Stephen Minister will meet with you for about one hour per week to listen, encourage, pray, help bear burdens, and walk beside you during times of trouble.

Is the support of a Stephen Minister confidential?
Yes, a Stephen Minister’s support is confidential, and free. The Stephen Ministry has been seen as very helpful by those who have accepted the support of a Stephen Minister.

How soon will I have my call returned?
You will be contacted within a 24-hour time period. At that time, Rev. Kirkland will talk with you to understand your needs. You will be contacted by an assigned Stephen Minister, to schedule a mutually convenient time for you to meet and talk.

“Our loving God,
you have gathered into the one body of Christ all those who trust you, destroying the enmity between us and reconciling us to you.
Bless this Stephen Ministry, as it centers upon Christ’s work of drawing all people from far and near into the life of your peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.”