Central UMC
Stephen Ministry

OUR MISSION
Why do we exist?
Walking hand in hand in times of need.
OUR CORE VALUES
How do we behave?
Nonjudgemental, Confidential, Respectful, Prayerful, Compassionate, Attentive, Encouraging
OUR PURPOSE/VISION
What do we do?
We commit to listening, praying, and caring for one another.

Hear the Testimonies of Stephen Ministry Care Receivers 

We ALL share tough times in our lives...
And when we are hurting, we often are reluctant to ask for help...
Here are some reasons why...

Do you have these thoughts?

I just don't have the energty to reach out for help.
I don't know who I could ask for help.
I'm not sure who I could trust with my private struggles.
I know others have it worse than me.
I don't want to get my hopes up only to get hurt again.
Who really cares about me and my "troubles"?
We understand. Let us be your safe place.

I would like to be contacted by a Stephen Minister

Click here to be contacted by a Stephen Minister

How do I know if becoming a Stephen Minister is for me?

Are you an effective listener?
Can you empathize with the difficulties of others?
Are you drawn toward helps people?
Do you feel compassion towards others?
Can you be non-judgemental even when you don't understand someone's point of view?
Can you commit to 60-90 minutes a week to meet with someone who is going through a difficult time?
Can you hold a person's story in confidence?

If this is YOU, God can make a difference in people's lives through YOU!

Here is how to become a Stephen Minister at Central UMC:

STEP 1
  • Complete an application
  • Participate in an interview
  • Complete a background check
STEP 2
Training includes:
  • 2 Saturday retreats
  • 12 weeks, 90 minutes per week classes
  • Weekly reading (less than 30 minutes)
  • Stephen Minister Commissioning Service during worship
STEP 3
  • Monthly 90 minute supervision meeting
  • 60-90 minutes session per week with a Care Receiver when in relationship
  • Additional continuing education as needed

Important Dates:

Information Session
August 25, 2024 | 12 noon
Church office Conference Room
Application Deadline
September 8, 2024
Download and place in Pastor Lisa Rettew's office mailbox or mail to: 27 Church St., Asheville, NC 28801

Or complete the digital copy of the Stephen minister application  by clicking below.
New Training Class
January 10 to March 23, 2025

Testimony from a Stephen Minister:

What it is the process and what it's like to become a Stephen Minister

I joined the Stephen Ministry to increase my faith by being of service to others. My experience has been a continual blessing! The learning provided by the initial training as well as the ongoing training opportunities has increased my abilities to communicate with all personalities in all of my relationships… personal and professional. As a retired RN, I thought my communication skills were excellent: HA! I learned so much! I had hoped to be a Blessing to my Care Receivers, and to my fellow Stephen Ministers, but I have found that it is often myself being Blessed by them! This Ministry continues to strengthen my walk with the Lord in every area of my life. 
-Submitted by one of Central UMC's Stephen Ministers