Stephen Ministry is Christ caring for people through people.If you are going through a difficult time, consider having a
Stephen Minister. If you know someone is facing difficulties, suggest that they request Stephen Ministry.
S T E P H E N M I N I S T R Y
COVENANT IS A STEPHEN MINISTRY CHURCH

What is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry is a program for our congregation that equips lay persons to provide distinctively Christian one-on-one care, confidentially, to anyone in our community who is experiencing all sorts of life needs and circumstances.
Who benefits from Stephen Ministry?
People who need care:
- Receive quality, Christ-centered, confidential care for their hurts and needs
- Find hope, healing, and a new sense of self-worth through the support of a Stephen Minister
- Know they are remembered and supported by their congregation in times of personal difficulty
- Receive ongoing care for continuing needs long after the onset of a crisis
- Grow in a deeper relationship with their Lord as they experience God’s unconditional love for them through their Stephen Minister
How do I get a Stephen Minister?
Simply visit or call James Barnes or
Rev. Kyle Gatlin at (334) 793-4440.
All contact are made only with the person’s permission.
James Barnes or Rev. Gatlin will meet with the person, explain how
Stephen Ministry works and assign a Stephen Minister to
meet on a weekly or as-needed basis with the person.
Stephen Ministry continues to provide distinctively
Christian care for the person in strict confidentiality.
How do I become a Stephen Minister?
Covenant offers the 50 hours (18 sessions) of formal Stephen Ministry training at least once a year. Following the 50 hours of training, Stephen Ministers attend peer supervision sessions for continuing education from our Stephen Leaders and encouragement from other Stephen Ministers.
Any person wanting to become a Stephen Minister needs only to have the desire to serve God by helping his fellow man.
Contact James Barnes or Rev. Kyle Gatlin at (334) 793-4440 if you are
interested in becoming a Stephen Minister.
What are some examples of problems
that Stephen Ministers deal with?
Hospitalization, declining health, disability or terminal illness, illness of a loved one,
the death of a loved one, divorce or separation from spouse, severe financial setback,
difficulties associated with aging, family or domestic problems, isolation or loneliness
Am I assured of confidentiality?
Confidentiality is the basis of all Stephen Ministry relationships. Anyone receiving care can be assured that his or her identity – and what is shared in a caring relationship – will remain private.

CONTACT
Contact James Barnes or Rev. Kyle Gatlin at (334) 793-4440 for more information.
To learn more about Stephen Ministries in general, outside of Covenant Methodist Church, please click here.