Stephen Ministry Application

First name

Last name

Phone

Address

YOU MUST BE A UNION BAPTIST CHURCH MEMBER TO APPLY.

I am a Union Baptist Church Member

I am NOT a Union Baptist Church Member

Faith and Spiritual Life

How would you describe your faith?

You may wish to reflect on:

How your faith has developed over time
The role of prayer, scripture, or church community in your life
How your faith influences your daily decisions and relationships

Enter Answer Here:*

Motivation for Serving

Please share what draws you to serve as a Stephen Minister

You may wish to reflect on:

Personal experiences that have shaped your interest in caring for others
Ways your faith or spiritual journey has influenced this calling
Skills or gifts you believe would be valuable in this ministry
How do you hope to grow personally and spiritually through serving

Enter Answer Here:

Gifts and Strengths

What personal strengths, gifts, or qualities do you bring to a caring ministry?

Consider:

Listening skills, empathy, or patience
Spiritual gifts or life experiences that equip you to walk alongside others
Example of a time you have supported someone through a challenge

Enter Answer Here:

Caring Focus Areas & Supervision Commitment

As a Stephen Minister, you may be called upon to walk alongside someone with a variety of needs. Which needs do you feel best equipped to support? (Check all that apply)

Adjustment

Caring for Elderly Parents

Chronic Illness

Death of a Parent

Divorce

Financial Problems

In Trouble with Law

New Member

Serious Illness

Terminal Illness

Assimilation

Changing Jobs

Convalescence

Death of a Spouse

Empty Nest

Grief/Bereavement

Inactive Member

Nursing Home

Single Parent

Unwanted Pregnancy

Birth of Child

Chronic Disability

Death of a Child

Difficult Pregnancy

Faith Issues

Hospitalization

Moving

Retirement

Surgery

Work Problems

Anticipated Benefits

In what ways do you think you would benefit personally from your training and service as a Stephen Minister

Anticipated Challenges

Based on your current understanding of what it means to be a Stephen Minister, what do you think would be the challenging aspects of this role for you?

Relationships and Relating to Others

How would someone who knows you well describe how you relate to others?

Emotional or Psychiatric Treatment

Have you ever received treatment for any emotional or psychiatric problems?*

Yes

If yes, please provide information in the ADDENDUM at the end of this application. A member of the Stephen Leader Team will speak with you about this so the team may better understand its significance in your life and ministry. Please note: Many caregivers have been strengthened in their ministry through the care they themselves have received, including support from mental health professionals. The Stephen Leader Team affirms the important work of mental health professionals in helping individuals experience growth and healing. This information is requested so the team can be as fully informed as possible about their Stephen Ministers.

Criminal History

Have you ever been convicted of a crime?*

Yes

If yes, please explain in detail using the ADDENDUM at the end of this application. A member of the Stephen Leader Team will speak with you about this so the team may better understand its significance in your life and ministry. This information is necessary to address potential liability issues

Personal References

As part of the Stephen Ministry application process, you are required to provide the names of three individuals who can speak to how your skills and gifts make you a good fit for Stephen Ministry service. At least one reference must be a member of Union Baptist Church.

Your references should submit their letters directly in one of the following ways:

Email: stephenministry@unionbaptistwp.org
Hand delivered to Stephen Leader, Reverend Charlene Manning
Mail to: Union Baptist Church

Attn: Rev. Charlene Manning, Stephen Ministry

31 Manhattan Avenue

White Plains, New York 10607

Reference #1

Name:*

Relationship:*

Email:*

Reference #2

Name*

Relationship*

Email*

Reference #3

Name*

Relationship*

Email*

Peer Supervision is a requirement as a Stephen Minister; please indicate the session(s) you will commit to attend. A Stephen Leader will confirm your Peer Group assignment upon Commissioning.*

Tuesdays - Group One - 1st and 3rd of the month

Tuesdays - Group Two - 2nd & 4th of the month

Monday - Group Three - 2nd & 4th of the month (tentative)

Are there any changes you would need to make in your life to fulfill this commitment?

Covenant of Understanding and Commitment

I understand and accept the expectations outlined in this application packet and commit myself to serving as a Stephen Minister with faithfulness, integrity, and love.

I affirm that the information I have provided in this application is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. If selected, I agree to:

Participate fully in Stephen Ministry training.
Attend and engage in Small Group Peer Supervision & Continuing Education.
Serve within the boundaries of Stephen Ministry as adopted by Union Baptist Church.

I also give permission to a member of the Stephen Leader Team to contact my references, if deemed necessary, to verify my background with appropriate individuals or agencies.

Signature

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Date

Month

Day

Year

ADDENDUM (Please use this space to complete answers 9 and 10 if applicable or if there are any other questions that require additional information. Indicated Question when completing this section

UBC Stephen Ministry

The many changes & stresses of life don't stop.
You don't have to feel like you are going through your experiences alone.
God provides support through his people.