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
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...
November 13, 2022 – Surviving the Holidays – Grief Share
Help and hope as you navigate the Christmas seasonStephen Ministry will be hosting an event with Grief Share called Surviving the Holidays. Wondering how you will survive the weeks surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas? Are you dreading these holidays, knowing that...
GriefShare Support Group – Fall 2022 Wednesdays at 1:30 PM
Bluffton UMC will be hosting a GriefShare Support Group on Wednesday at 1:30 PM 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 found there are not...
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...
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...
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.
