Stephen Ministry

Christ Caring For People Through People

Who is a Stephen Minister?

Stephen Ministers are members of Culpeper UMC who have gone through 50 hours of training  to be able to provide high-quality, Christian care to individuals experiencing a crisis or challenge such as divorce, grief, loss of job, hospitalization, relocation or loneliness.

When someone requests a Stephen Minister, our Stephen Ministry Referrals Coordinator will meet with that person, explain what Stephen Ministry is, and help determine whether Stephen Ministry is the kind of care that person needs. 

When Stephen Ministers are assigned a care receiver, they call that person and begin meeting with that care receiver for about an hour per week.  This caring relationship will last for as long as the care receiver needs it.  Everything the care receiver says to his or her Stephen Minister is kept confidential.  The Stephen Minister won't try to solve problems; but he or she will listen to, care for, pray for, and will help the care receiver find his or her path to healing and wholeness.

Who Benefits from the Stephen Ministry Program?

Everybody benefits from Stephen Ministry. 

• Those receiving care from Stephen Ministers benefit because they receive prayer and support throughout the crises they face. 
• Stephen Ministers benefit through the spiritual growth they experience from being involved in meaningful ministry. 
• Our pastors benefit because caring ministry at Culpeper UMC is expanded. 
• Most of all YOU will benefit from the knowledge that special care is available to you should you need it. 

Please know that you can refer a friend, neighbor, coworker, relative, or anyone else you know who is going through a difficult time so that they can receive special care when they need it most. You may email Lee Anne Orndorff, our Stephen Ministry Referrals Coordinator.

If you should like more information on our Stephen Ministry, please contact our church office at 540-825-0764 who can put you in contact with one of our Stephen Leaders: Caryn Covill,  Fran Kimball, Karen McLean, Butch Mills or Lee Anne Orndorff

Or you may contact one of our pastors Pastor Randy Orndorff or Pastor Norma Jean Fellows

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On March 21, 2010 the Stephen Ministry training was completed with a commissioning service for our first group of Stephen Ministers here at CUMC.

Those who were commissioned include:

Cindy Archbell, Nadine Balenger, Karen Bean, Jenny Berkebile, Jane Boyd, Sue Brooks, Jim Casey, Mary Jo Casey, Lori Davis, Marian Dykes, Debbie Emerson, Miriam Halsey, Holly Geving, Charlotte Hoffman, Sharon Lam, Karen McLean, Dana Nolley, Audrey Powell, Lucy Powers, Jen Prol, Suzanne Titkemeyer, Bruce Van Ness, and Leigha Waldman

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Words from our Stephen Ministers

Charlotte Hoffman shares her thoughts on being a Stephen Minister

"Never in my life did I expect to feel the satisfaction I have felt since becoming a Stephen Minister.  I hesitated for some time before deciding, because by working 50+ hours a week, I did not think I could possibly take another "chunk" of time to attend the classes plus the commitment of at least 18 months. I cannot believe the joy I have felt in meeting, praying and being with my Care Receiver.  My Care Receiver's faith and hope are so great that they are helping me as much or perhaps more than I could ever benefit them.  What a joy!  I hope to continue for a long time."

Deb Emerson shares her thoughts on being a Stephen Minister

"Stephen Ministry has been a blessing to me, it was just what He ordered for my life.  Not only have I grown closer to God with every step that I take with my Care Receiver on their journey, I feel that I have been given this ministry to share His love and grace with many others that I meet along the way.  I can definitely say that it has changed my life and I hope through Stephen Ministry, I can help others feel God's love in theirs.