Stephen Ministry has existed at NUMC since 2009. It is a one-to-one lay caring ministry that equips and empowers lay caregivers – called Stephen Ministers – to provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to people who are hurting from divorce, terminal illness, unemployment, the stresses of care-giving to a family member or any other difficulty. Care givers receive 50 hours of training in pastoral skills such as active listening, and then continue with bi-weekly supervision with other Stephen Ministers in the church, led by a trained Stephen Leader. They also engage in continuing education.

We invite you to follow this link to the Stephen Ministries website for additonial information.

Additionally, the PBS “Religion and Ethics” news show aired an eight-minute feature that vividly describes how Stephen Ministry is changing lives in thousands of congregations. You can watch the video online on the PBS Website.

If you would like more information about NUMC’s Stephen Ministry program, please contact Pastor Lori Miller at lori.miller@nyac-umc.com.