New Stephen Minister Training Beginning Soon
Nov 15, 2021 | by Chris Atkins
Caring ministry at First United Methodist Church of Hurst will be expanding soon as members are set to begin Stephen Minister training in January 2022. At the completion of their training, the newly trained individuals will be commissioned as Stephen Ministers. They will then join our other active Stephen Ministers at First United Methodist Church of Hurst in providing one-to-one care to individuals experiencing difficulties in life.
“Stephen Minister training combines sound theological principles with contemporary psychology,” says Kitty Hickerson, who, along with other Stephen Leaders, will teach the new training class. “The training is top-notch. The skills our Stephen Ministers learn and practice prepare them for a very high level of Christian caregiving. It’s a growth-producing and enjoyable experience.”
The Stephen Minister training is broken down into separate sessions that will be held on weekly. Among the training topics are:
- Feelings: Yours, Mine, and Ours
- The Art of Listening
- Distinctively Christian Caring
- Assertiveness: Relating Gently and Firmly
- A Process Approach to Caring
- Confidentiality
- Ministering to Those Experiencing Grief
“Before becoming a Stephen Leader, I went through the Stephen Minister training myself,” says Chris Atkins. “I expected to learn a lot about caregiving, but I didn’t anticipate the personal and spiritual growth I experienced. Looking back, perhaps what I enjoyed most was the close Christian community formed with everyone in our training class. Our [number] trainees are in for a great experience.”
FUMC Hurst has trained over 100 members as Stephen Ministers since beginning Stephen Ministry in 1994.
“We’re definitely part of something big,” says Tom Taylor. “The impact of Stephen Ministry on our congregation has been tremendous. People whose needs might otherwise slip through the cracks are coming face to face with Jesus’ love through their Stephen Minister. Our new class will help us touch that many more lives with the Gospel.”
Please lift up the training class in your prayers over the coming months and watch for regular training class updates in the newsletter and worship bulletin.