Stephen Ministers are lay people trained to provide care for those who are experiencing specific problems in living their lives.  They have undergone extensive training to develop and nurture their caring skills.  

Stephen Ministers study such topics as effective listening, telecare, stress of hospitalization, and ministering to persons undergoing such life crises as divorce, death of a loved one, aging, depression, terminal illness, and disabilities.  

Stephen Ministry is…

  • Grounded in Jesus’ command to love one another.  

  • Not a counselor or therapist; not a problem solver; not someone with just a casual interest in your situation.  

  • A child of God who walks beside you; a caring Christian friend who really listens.

  • A lay person who has received training in how to provide distinctively Christian care.

  • A confidential ministry. Stephen Ministers do not share information about the persons in their care.

  • In need of a Stephen Minister? Please reach out to Pastor Allison at 512.472.4111 or email at aangell@tumc.church.

  • Interested in becoming a Stephen Minister? Pastor Allison is planning to begin a new training class beginning in October 2025. Please email her at aangell@tumc.church if you are interested in learning more.


NEW* Stephen Ministry Training

Co-led by Pastor Allison and Becky Cook
Sundays | October–May
NOON–2:30PM
Cost: $50 (scholarships available)

Stephen Ministry training is a 20-week commitment that includes 50 hours of pastoral care training for lay persons. Most of the training sessions will take place in-person on Sundays after church.

Fall Sessions:

Oct 19 – The Person of the Caregiver

Nov 9 – Feelings: Yours, Mine & Ours

Nov 16 – The Art of Listening

Dec 7 – Distinctively Christian Caring (Part 1)

Spring dates TBD; training may include 1–2 retreats.

Stephen Ministry offers a proven and effective way to organize, equip, and supervise a team of congregation members–called Stephen Ministers–to provide high-quality, one-to-on, Christ-centered care to people in the congregation and the community experiencing life difficulties.

Contact Pastor Allison to register for training.