Why I Am a Stephen Minister

Pictured left to right:  Richard Smith, Kris Lomonaco, John Lomonaco, Roger Spittle, Pam Prentice, Dan Whipple, Shirley Luce, & Sandra Bilbro

I chose to become involved in Stephen Ministry because of my own life experience. When we were told that our 1st child had a nonsurvivable birth defect, the disbelief, pain, and feelings of isolation were overwhelming. Luckily, we were urged to join a support group that allowed me to share openly and truthfully about things that most people do not want to hear. Once others have helped you reach the other side of such dark places, you know God would not want you to sit silently while others suffer. Sometimes your most effective ministry comes out of your own deepest hurts.

– Kris Lomonaco

Stephen Ministry is a one on one opportunity to share the love express that love connecting with my “neighbor”.  When someone else is experiencing a difficult time, it allows me to let that person know how much they are valued by others, their church and Christ! In response to what Christ has given me…..Stephen Ministry!

– Roger Spittle

Stephen Ministry is aprovide high-quality, Jesus centered, confidential support for people who are hurting and need someone to talk to.  Having had a few friends in other churches who became Stephen Ministers, I knew this was an opportunity to serve the Lord by helping others. In 1998 I agreed to become a Stephen Minister. The commitment I made was for 1 year.  That commitment turned into 12 years of offering care to people who needed a shoulder to lean on while they sorted out their troubles. I was hooked. Now after a few years sabbatical, I am thrilled to be offered the same opportunity once again.  I loved watching my care receivers become stronger and readier to take on the world. We laughed, prayed, cried and hugged as we grew to love each other and what God was doing in our lives.

I am excited to be able to serve the Lord and some of His people in this capacity, once again.  We have all needed to talk with someone at one time or another, when our life has become troubled.  Many of us don’t ask for help.  We “suffer” in silence or burden our close family and friends.  Stephen Ministry offers the chance to talk to someone without judgement, and in strict confidence. Your caring Stephen Minister will not tell you what to do or not do. They will not try to fix what is wrong or broken. What they will do instead, is listen and reflect back what they’ve heard. They will walk with you as you figure what to do next in your life.  They will help you feel the presence of God when they pray for and with you.

I believe my gift is serving and helping others. I feel better when I can do something to help someone else.  Jesus said in Matthew 45:25 “Whatever you do for the least of these you do for me.”  By ‘least of these’ I see Jesus referring to His followers. Jesus also said to “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  What better way to do that, than to serve as a Stephen Minister. If you need some loving care, because you see your world a little off balance, or crazy, don’t hesitate to ask for a Stephen Minister.  You do not need to walk a troubled path alone.

– Pam Prentice

I have been involved with Stephen Ministry before and am very pleased to see HUMC resurrecting this ministry.  People need people to connect with.  Especially people who are struggling.  The struggle might be: mourning the loss of a loved one, loss of a job, divorce, family issues or dealing with an illness. The list of struggles people deal with is endless.   Having someone who will listen in strict confidence, showing care for them and their struggle, brings healing.  Having someone to pray with, when they can’t find the words, brings healing.  Stephen Ministry is a way to wrap God’s arms around someone.

I choose to become involved in Stephen Ministry for that very purpose.  To show God’s love to people, especially when they are having difficulty seeing His love.   Stephen Ministry doesn’t solve problems, but it can support people through their journey through prayer, love and understanding.

– Shirley Luce

Stephen Ministry is an opportunity to take time to stop and listen. Everyone comes to a point (or more) in their life where they need a non-judgmental, sympathetic, attentive ear. Life was not meant to be weathered alone.  I’m excited about this ministry because it is a metaphorical “Open” sign for everyone to see. How do we show others we are there for them if we open our arms inside our own home? Support systems such as AA and Al Anon blossom from organization and offering public messages of uncompromising support. There will always be people who need care and support. I know that at some point in time I will be needing help like this. Most people are impacted by an event which drive them to take on a cause, I’m just being proactive about it.

– Dan Whipple