Read Stories from Our Companions
Compassionate, Confidential, Christ-Centered Companionship
Our Stephen Ministers share the Ways God is working in their lives through and because of Walking Alongside:

Donna Marlette
​
When I first learned about Walking Alongside Stephen Ministry, I was very interested in learning more. Initially, I was concerned about the time commitment as there were so many things I was involved in at my church, my part-time job, and family commitments. After asking God for guidance, I felt confident that participating in the training was the right thing for me to do.
​
As our Stephen Ministry group started training in the fall of 2021, we developed a sense of closeness with God and each other. We have shared deep feelings and helped each other through times of grief, loss, and health concerns – all while learning how to be Christian caregivers to those in need of someone to listen, care and understand.
​
Just past the mid-point of our training, I was asked if I would consider being a caregiver for a lady who was grieving the loss of a family member. With God's guidance, I accepted the request. I was certainly a little nervous about my first meeting with my care receiver as I knew I had more to learn about being a Stephen Minister. Still, with God's help that first meeting went well and I found she was comfortable talking with me and I was comfortable listening to her. As we are taught in Stephen Ministry training, we are the caregivers and God is the cure giver, and this was evident in our relationship.
​
Being a Stephen Minister has made me a more thoughtful, compassionate, and caring person. It has enriched my life in so many ways, and I thank God for the opportunity to serve those in need in a caring and loving way.
​

Lynn Woodruff
​
If you are wondering if God is calling you to be a Stephen Minister, then you need to know that God can call anyone! I am a warehouse manager, and I never imagined the ways God would work in my life through Stephen Ministry.
​
I am a better listener at home, at work, and at church. And I don't just "listen", I think about what others are telling me and I try to understand what they are going through, good or bad. I try to lift them up when I need to, or share in their successes.
​
I used to think it was my actions, and the way I lived my life, that showed people I have faith in God. Now I share my faith openly when I feel the need to, even at work and with my neighbors. Because of Stephen Ministry training, I read my Bible more now than I have in all of my adult life. I am doing things in church and my professional life I never imagined I would be doing just two years ago. My prayers have changed from, "Why me, Lord?" to "Okay, Lord, what's next?"
​
To me there is no greater joy than understanding that you are doing what God has called you to do. To see someone who is hurting react positively to a prayer, or a kind word, or a simple question in a one-on-one conversation is truly rewarding. Knowing that God is also with you before, during and after the conversation is such a blessing.
​
My favorite prayer is: Here I am Lord. Teach me, lead me, and use me. Amen!" The Stephen Ministry program is a practical way to allow God to do just that. It is not difficult, but it is both Biblical and thorough, and I thank God for leading me here.
​

Wendy Chambers
​
Story coming soon!

Wendy McBane
​
Story coming soon!

Sharon Brignon
​
Story coming soon!