Stephen Ministries offers a proven and effective way to organize, equip, and supervise a team of congregation members—called Stephen Ministers—to provide high-quality, one-on-one, Christ-centered care to people in the congregation and the community experiencing life difficulties. Travis Park UMC first invested and trained its first Stephen Minister in 1986-87, and was last active around 1996-97. Almost 30 years later, robust Congregational Care is needed now more than ever.

Rev. Dr. Edie DeVilbiss and Frank Cruz are currently training to be Stephen Leaders, allowing them to provide ongoing leadership for the congregation’s Stephen Ministry. Stephen Ministers are congregation members trained by Stephen Leaders to provide one-on-one, Christ-centered care to people facing difficult seasons, such as grief, caregiving, illness, divorce, or unemployment. They offer a safe and compassionate space to navigate the emotional and spiritual storms that crises can bring, helping carry out the mission of the church.

Four new Stephen Ministers were commissioned on Sunday, December 27, 2025.

How To Connect
If you have received previous training to become a Stephen Minister, or would like more information, please reach out to Edie DeVilbiss or fill out a yellow Connect Card to let us know you’re interested.