Stephen Ministry at Coker UMC

231 E. North Loop Rd.

San Antonio, TX 78216

210-494-3455

Fax: 210-494-8537

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Are you experiencing a "Winter" in your life?

Download Wesley Covenant Service (PDF)

The Stephen Ministry is a confidential, lay-caring ministry grounded in Jesus' command to love one another. Those who are hurting receive love and support through one-to-one caring relationships. The ministry is named after Stephen, one of the first deacons in the early church, commissioned by the apostles to care for the needs of people in the Christian community.

Is life more than you can handle right now?
Are your health, attitude, or relationships suffering?
Are you adjusting to a new job, change in marital status, a serious illness, the death of a loved one, or a recent move?
Would you like to have someone in your life who really cares?

Everyone goes through difficult times. Having someone to care, listen, and share God's love can help you get through the confusion, stress, or loneliness that you may be experiencing.

WHAT ARE THE NEEDS WITH WHICH STEPHEN MINISTRY CAN HELP?

Illness
Family frustrations and challenges
Loneliness
Chronic illness
Families of the chronically ill
Loss of a loved one
Separation or divorce
Being shut-in
Having a newborn
Low self-esteem
Terminal illness
Loss of a job
Financial setbacks
Struggling with faith in God
Aging
Facing life challenges
Retirement
Miscarriage and infertility

HOW CAN I REFER SOMEONE TO STEPHEN MINISTRY?

Identify someone who is hurting and in need of Christian care (you, a friend, or a relative).
You, a friend, a relative, or a pastor contacts Stephen Ministry about this need.
The Referral Coordinators will meet with this person to talk about Stephen Ministry.
With their permission, the Referral Coordinators assign a Stephen Minister to meet on a weekly basis with the care receiver.
The Stephen Minister provides distinctly Christian and strictly confidential care.

WHAT IS A STEPHEN MINISTER?

A Stephen Minister...

Is a child of God who walks beside a person who is hurting.
Is a caring, Christian friend who takes the time to really listen.
Is a lay Christian selected, trained, and supervised by Stephen Leaders to provide effective Christian care.
Makes a commitment including 50 hours of training, ongoing supervisory meetings, and an average of one 1-hour visit per week with the person receiving care.
Recognizes this as a confidential ministry.

A Stephen Minister is NOT...

A counselor or therapist
A problem-solver
A casual visitor

HOW CAN I BECOME INVOLVED?

Pray daily for Stephen Ministry
Make referrals to Stephen Ministry
Inquire about becoming a Stephen Minister
- To find out more about becoming a Stephen Minister, please click here.

Stephen Ministers are Caregivers...God is the CUREGIVER

The Stephen Leader & Referral Coordinators are Steve Austin and Peggy Caravantes. To contact the Stephen Ministry of Coker United Methodist Church, please call (210) 494-3455.