Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2, NRSV).

WE ARE A STEPHEN MINISTRY CONGREGATION

The last few months, I have been seeing more new faces at our Sunday Services. With our church being so busy with different opportunities to serve, I think it is time to talk about Stephen Ministry.
Stephen Ministry is the one-to-one lay caring ministry that takes place in our congregation using the Stephen Series system. Stephen Ministry trains people in our congregations to equip and empower lay caregivers—called Stephen Ministers—to provide high-quality, confidential, Christcentered care to people who are hurting. 
Stephen Ministry has two types of ministers, Stephen Leaders and Stephen Ministers. Stephen Leaders are trained off campus by professional trainers of the Stephen Ministry organization. Once a leader is trained, they will return to their church and train and lead the Stephen Ministers. Stephen Ministers are trained at the church by Stephen Leaders.
UMC of Vista has been a Stephen Ministry church since 2012. We currently have six Stephen Ministers and one Stephen Leader. For the next few weeks, we will have a Stephen Ministry table in the narthex, please stop by and get to know us.
-Mike Walker, Stephen Leader
Updated: Aug. 2019

The Stephen Ministry is Christ caring for people through people. Stephen Ministers at UMC Vista have been trained to listen, to support and to pray with other members of the congregation. If you are hurting, discouraged, or stressed over circumstances in your life, a Stephen Minister will come alongside to listen, to assist, to discover God’s will for you and to pray with you. This is a ministry that is confidential; just you and the Stephen Minister.

Stephen Ministry Prayer Corner (located in the narthex): A Stephen Minister will be available after the first service to offer prayers, support, or a compassionate listening ear to anyone who may feel the need.
 
 
For more information, please contact Mike Walker.