What is a Stephen Minister?

  • A child of God who walks beside a hurting person.
  • A caring Christian who really listens.
  • A member of our congregation who has been trained in how to provide distinctively Christian care.
  • A person who is ready to focus on your needs.
  • A trustworthy confidant who will keep everything you say–even your identity–confidential.
  • Someone who will faithfully meet with you on a weekly basis for as long as your need persists.

A Stephen Minister is NOT

  • A counselor or therapist
  • A problem-solver
  • Someone who runs errands or helps with chores.
  • A casual visitor

Our Stephen Ministers are ready to provide you with the confidential, one-to-one Christian care you need to make it through a crisis or help you at a difficult time. Stephen Ministers provide care to people who are

  • Grieving the death of a loved one
  • Hospitalized or recovering from hospitalization
  • Lonely or discouraged
  • Coping with a terminal illness or caring for a family member with a terminal illness
  • Disabled or caring for an ill or disabled family member
  • Homebound or incarcerated
  • Transitioning into retirement
  • Dealing with the aging
  • Facing a life transition
  • Experiencing a spiritual crisis
Contact the Stephen Leaders at Bluffton

Mary Ellen Parks:

Phone: 843-368-1852

Email: maryellen.parks22@gmail.com

Bill Stutesman:

Phone: 214-435-0243

Email: bkstutesman@yahoo.com

Stephen Ministry Activities

GriefShare Group starts Feb 15

GriefShare Group starts Feb 15

A 13-week GriefShare session starts February 15 for people who have lost a loved one and are struggling with grief. The class will meet every Wednesday from 1:30-3:30 pm, in the Music Suite behind the sanctuary. Register for the class at GriefShare.org or contact Mary...

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Spring 2022 GriefShare Support Group

Spring 2022 GriefShare Support Group

Bluffton UMC will be hosting a GriefShare Support Group on Monday Nights at 7pm starting February 28. How GriefShare works It may be hard for you to feel optimistic about the future right now. If you’ve lost a spouse, child, family member, or friend, you’ve probably...

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Surviving the Holidays – Grief Share

Surviving the Holidays – Grief Share

Help and hope as you navigate the Christmas season Stephen Ministry will be hosting two events with Grief Share called Surviving the Holidays.  Wondering how you will survive the weeks surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas? Are you dreading these holidays, knowing...

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From the Stephen Ministry Headquarters

Click on the pictures for an inspiring video message from actual care receivers.  Please note that, while all relationships are confidential, these individuals have elected to share their stories.

Click here to read more about Stephen Ministries.

If you are interested in contacting a Stephen Leader at Bluffton UMC, complete the information below.

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