Stephen Ministries
Stephen Ministries' Core Purpose is summed up in the words of St. Paul in his letter to the Ephesians. These verses have been rendered by renowned calligrapher Timothy Botts on the entryway wall to the Stephen Ministries Center, boldly proclaiming the mission to everyone who enters.
"To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ" (Ephesians 4:12-13).
The Core Values of Stephen Ministries:
- Incarnational theology
- Ministry as the privilege and responsibility of all God's people
- Empowering those we serve to get excellent results
- Personal humility
- Organizational stability
- Positive work environment
Ardmore First United Methodist Church is a Stephen Ministry congregation. Stephen Ministry is a most powerful lay caring ministry. Developed over 30 years ago by Dr. Kenneth and Joan Haughk, participants apply, are interviewed and if received into the program, receive 50 hours of training before being commissioned by the congregation. Stephen Ministers covenant to two years of service which includes twice monthly supervision meetings and continuing education. Stephen Ministers are assigned care receivers and meet weekly for one hour with those needing a caring Christian friend who will listen and support them in prayer. The focus of caring is being present with someone who is hurting, recognizing that Stephen Ministers are the care givers, but only God is the cure giver.
This ministry successfully cares for individuals who are experiencing stress, hurt or grief associated with death, divorce, job loss, long or short term illness, hospitalization, retirement, childbirth, and many other difficult transitions of life.
If you are interested in having a Stephen Minister or in becoming a Stephen Minister, please contact Louise Daniels (226-5524), Bettie Black (223-9477) or Rev. Dan Patman (223-5390, ext 308).