Stephen Ministry is a program of training and organizing laypersons for One-on-One Christian caregiving to the terminally ill, bereaved, hospitalized, separated or divorced, unemployed, and others in a time of crisis. In the time-pressed ministry of the church, Stephen Ministry provides quality caring ministry for as long as people need it.

As a Stephen Series congregation, Douglasville First UMC has partnered with Stephen Ministries St. Louis, providing us with training materials, resources, and ongoing support. Several of our ministers and laity have attended the Stephen Leader’s Training Course where they were equipped by the faculty of Stephen Ministries St. Louis to serve as Stephen Leaders in our congregation. 

From this organizing nucleus, our Stephen Leaders work to recruit, select, and train laypersons in the congregation to serve as Stephen Ministers. Each Stephen Minister is prepared with fifty (50) hours of training that involves case studies and role play, all within a Christ-centered model of caring ministry. 

When a person requests a Stephen Minister, the Stephen Leader in charge of referrals will prayerfully match a Stephen Minister to the potential care receiver. Stephen Minister then meets with their care receiver(s) for about an hour a week for as long as the person needs care. Each Stephen Minister also participates in twice a month supervision and continuing education groups.

We as believe Stephen Ministry is a Spirit-led program through which God blesses Stephen Ministers, care receivers, and the congregation as a whole.

Our Stephen Leaders:

Milbree Lankford

Kathy Mathis - recruitment*

Rev. Diane Saunders

Our Stephen Ministers:

Pam Adams

Scott Cottril

Joanne Damewood

Pat Herlong

Sandy Withers

* If you are a member of Douglasville First UMC and you believe you have the gifts, graces, and calling for Stephen Ministry, please contact Kathy Matthis.

** If you or someone you know is hurting or in need of ordinary care, we invite you to take a step toward caring by contacting Rev. Saunderes at 770-942-3146.