Everyone goes through difficult times. Having someone who cares, will listen and will share God’s love with you can help you get through the confusion, loneliness and stress you may be experiencing. Stephen Ministers are trained volunteers and provide this service for no cost.
Stephen Ministers provide confidential care to those who are hurting. Stephen Ministry is grounded in Jesus’ command to love one another. Through one-to-one caring relationships, those who are hurting will receive the love and encouragement that they need to support them through a difficult time.
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-one, Christ-centered care to people in the congregation and the community experiencing life difficulties.
Stephen Ministers are congregation members trained by their Stephen Leaders to offer care to people who are hurting. A Stephen Minister typically has one care receiver at a time and meets with that person once a week for about an hour.
Learn more about our Stephen Ministers and how they answered the call to become a Caregiver
" I have been a member of PUMC for about one year. My spouse Dee and I joined the congregation to strengthen our faith by worshiping and working with a group of like-minded people. PUMC provides this, and as a bonus is the friendliest church we have ever attended!
I retired from JC Penney after 35 years of service in Texas, Louisiana and Colorado. Dee and I have a total of 4 daughters and 8 grandchildren, most of whom are in the local area and all are in Texas.
I am a newly commissioned Stephen Minister who chose this ministry because I believe standing with someone who is experiencing a life crisis is exactly what God intended when he commanded us to love one another. Serving in this manner not only benefits the person feeling pain but strengthens the faith of the Stephen Minister. Ongoing education as well as interaction with other Stephen Ministers, is a huge positive in this ministry work. What a wonderful group of people to be a part of!"
I have recently been confirmed as a Stephen’s Minister. I feel called to offer compassionate care for others who are experiencing a difficult season in their life.
I graduated from TCU (Go Frogs). My husband and I raised our two girls in the Mansfield area. About 2 years ago, we moved to Celina to be closer to our oldest daughter and her family. We have one biological grandson, 8, and three ‘bonus’ grandchildren who are older. When we moved to Celina, we visited PUMC and immediately felt like this was home. We joined PUMC soon after.
Currently, at PUMC, I am involved with Stephen Ministry, Caring Hearts Ministries and the Mission team.
Praising God that I can say that I am a cancer ‘survivor’!! Diagnosed in February 2022 with follicular lymphoma, I have gone through several treatments and continue to follow-up with my doctors at MD Anderson. I am thankful that I can say I am currently in remission. There is no cure, but remission is possible for as many as 10 + years.
I am currently ‘newly’ retired. After owning a medical documentation company for 31 years, I retired on December 31, 2025. Along with figuring out what retirement ‘looks’ like, I enjoy bible study, Pilates, pickleball, Mah jong, biking, gardening and hanging out with my grandchildren.
Charlie and I have been married for 41 years. We were married at the TCU chapel on campus. We have two adult children, Melissa (married to Jeffrey) and Laura (married to Josh). Melissa is a dietitian and she and Jeffrey live in Light Farms. Jeffrey is in banking. Laura works for the Department of Defense and teaches French horn. Josh is in the Army Band in Fort Hood. He plays the euphonium.
We have two elderly dogs, Bentley and Cooper. They are both 15 ½ and still going strong. Bentley is a Daschund and Cooper is a corgi/chihuahua mix.
My favorite Bible verse is Luke 6:31 – Do to others as you would have them do to you.
I wanted to become a Stephen Minister because it was clear to me that God was asking me to use the compassion and love I have for others in a way that benefits those who are hurting or need someone to listen, as I have experienced in the past. I had a Stephen Minister during my cancer treatment, and it was a lifeline for me, as I know it will be for others.
A fun fact about me is that I have a degree in Radio/TV/Film from TCU. Yes, I used to be a DJ on KTCU-FM. I had a segment called ‘Cathy Coburn’s (my maiden name) Community Calendar’. I smile every time I think about those days.
I’m a mom and a grandmother. I retired from a 25-year career as an x-ray technologist, last working in a Women’s Imaging Center.
I was baptized in the Methodist church and attended different Protestant churches as a child and as an adult.
Experiencing the welcoming, active environment, Bible-based teachings, and community involvement, I joined PUMC in 2023.
I enjoy being able to serve and fellowship with Methodist Women’s Fellowship, Luv Café, Season’s Bible Study, Mah-Jong and Prayer Shawl Ministry.
For years I thought about inquiring about Stephen Ministry. This year, with encouragement from other Stephen Ministers, friends, and through many prayers, I completed my training and was commissioned as a Stephen Minister on June 14, 2026. With God’s help, I hope to be a patient, listening ear and support for women experiencing life’s struggles.
Time spent with family, grandchildren and friends is precious to me. I like to spend time outdoors tending my flowers, walking and riding my bike. Indoors, I like to read and watch movies.
My favorite Bible passage is Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his namesake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely Your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Hello, my name is Linda Bratcher. My husband, John, and I have been members of Prosper United Methodist Church since 2020. Our family includes our son and daughter-in-law and two wonderful grandchildren. I am a retired special education teacher, having taught for 42 years in San
Antonio, Round Rock and Plano. In January 2026, I was commissioned as a Stephen Minister here at PUMC. I am currently a member of the Prayer Shawl Ministry and attend a weekly women’s bible study here at PUMC. Previously, I volunteered in
the ESL Program at our church for three years.
I believe one of the main reasons that I was drawn
to becoming a Stephen Minister was the opportunity to experience, first-hand, the healing power of Jesus, our Lord and Savior, in the life of someone who is suffering physically, emotionally and/or spiritually. My blessing is to be able to provide, care for, and walk alongside that person during a difficult time in their life, as God provides the healing.
One of my favorite bible verses is Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
I have been a PUMC member since 2019. My husband Scott and I moved to Prosper after living in Ovilla, Texas. I am a retired middle school English teacher, and taught for a total of 26 years in Amarillo, Mansfield and Midlothian schools.
Scott and I have been married for 40 years. We have two children and 4 grandchildren.
I have been a Stephen Minister since 2021. I had toyed with the idea of being a Stephen Minister for a few years. When Lynn Lish called to ask me, I knew that was God nudging me to give it a try. Being a SM has been so impactful as I can see the difference in the lives of my care receivers. As I walk beside those who are hurting, I can truly feel God’s presence in the relationship.
I am also involved in other church ministries: part of the children’s sermon rotation, a “substitute” Sunday School teacher and a member of the Lay Leader Development committee.
I have several activities that keep me busy in my
retirement. My husband and I travel a lot. I always have a book or two (or three) that I am reading. I enjoy doing cross stitch and have recently discovered the fun of Lego projects. And, of course, I love spending time with my grandchildren.
One of my favorite scriptures is from Isaiah 26:4.
Trust in the Lord forever, for in God the Lord, we have an everlasting rock.
I have been a member of PUMC since 2008 and recently became a Stephen Minister in June, 2026. I am a retired accountant, my husband, Bill, and I have two children, Tyler and Maggie.
In addition to Stephen Ministry, I serves as a Communion Server and teach Children’s Sunday School. I enjoy reading and exercise and especially treasure the words of John 14:27: “Peace
I leave with you; my peace I give you.”
I have always enjoyed listening to people and hearing their stories. After hearing Mike and Lynn Lish share about Stephen Ministry, I began to wonder if it might be a ministry where I could help others. Although it took me about two years to
decide the time was right, I ultimately felt called to pursue Stephen Ministry.
A fun fact about Julie: she has visited 47 of the 50 states and has lived in seven different states!
I have been a member of PUMC since 2016. I am married to Jesse, and am a stay-at-home Mom, caring for three boys, Alex, Josiah and Jude. I also enjoy traveling and reading.
I learned about Stephen Ministry at a church I previously attended before we moved to Celina. The Stephen Ministers were such kind, awesome people and I knew it was something I wanted to be a
part of someday. Fast forward a few years and kids later and the timing worked out that I could participate in the training in 2022, while balancing the kids' activities. I have loved being a Stephen Minister, not only helping others, but getting to be a part of such a loving, caring group of people.
My favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust
in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
My husband, Dan, and I moved from Austin to Little Elm a few years ago to be closer to our son, Matt, an NFL agent, and our daughter-in-law, Megan, a lawyer, who live in Celina.
Now retired, my career has included 10 years managing housing communities in the Austin area and 14 years managing microcomputer labs at the University of Vermont.
Since joining PUMC a few years ago, I’ve had the privilege of being involved in Prayer Shawl and Caring Ministries, the Seasons Women’s Study Group, FaithBuilders Sunday Group, and SPRC. Outside of church, I enjoy hiking, traveling, reading, and crocheting.
My journey with Stephen Ministry began in 2004, when I was trained as a Stephen Minister, and continued in 2005 when I became a Stephen Leader. Since then, I have served as both a Stephen Minister and Leader in three churches. Through those years, I have witnessed God’s hand at work in the lives of my care receivers, in the lives of fellow Stephen Ministers, and in my own life.
Stephen Ministry continues to be one of the most meaningful parts of my faith journey, and it is a ministry I am deeply passionate about.
One of my favorite Scripture passages is 1Corinthians 13:7–8:
“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.”
To me, this passage beautifully captures the heart of Stephen Ministry. This kind of Christ-like love means staying faithfully present with our care receivers, even when there are no easy answers or quick solutions. We offer love and hope through
listening, patience, prayer, acceptance, and a willingness to walk alongside someone who is facing challenges or struggles—for as long as needed.
If you find yourself facing a difficult season or struggling with life’s challenges, please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our Stephen Leaders. Know that you don’t have to walk through this season alone. Stephen Ministry offers a caring, confidential, and nonjudgmental person who is willing to listen, pray with you, and walk alongside you as you navigate whatever you may be facing.
My husband Mike and I moved to Prosper in 1999 and joined PUMC a few years later. We felt at home right away and enjoyed the ministries, small groups, missions and members of the church. I have served in various capacities including adult Sunday School classes, VBS, choir and serving on the Lay Leadership committee and currently as a Stephen Ministry Leader.
I served as a 7th grade math teacher in Prosper for 17 years and enjoyed being alongside our 3 kids while they attended school. At that time, there were only 3 schools: an elementary. middle and high
school. One year, I even taught my son in the 5th grade and years later taught alongside my daughter in middle school!
Some of my favorite hobbies are being outdoors, hiking, camping, being with my 8 grandkids and tap dancing.
Stephen Ministry has been a huge part of my life
since 1991. I served in Stephen Ministry at 4 different churches as we moved over the years and helped start the program here at PUMC in 2013. Stephen Ministry has changed me in so many ways. It’s taught me how to be present with people who are hurting and just listen with my heart and not my head. I’ve had the privilege to walk alongside so many people in many situations from grief,
loneliness, divorce, financial struggles, health issues, family issues, and so much more.
As a Stephen Minister, I get to just show up and
share God’s love with them as they work through their difficulties. When I am present with my care receiver, it is a holy space, a place where God does the healing. I just get to serve as a companion alongside them which continues to be a blessing beyond what I could ever imagine.
One of my favorite passages is “Trust in the Lord
with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
This is something that guides me each day and especially in my Stephen Ministry relationships. I don’t have to solve anything or fix my care receiver’s problems. I just have to show up and listen, accept and love them. When I do this, I can trust God and lean on His guidance. I can’t imagine not ever being a Stephen Minister!
My wife, Lynn, and I have been involved with Prosper UMC since about 2002 or 2003. We have three adult children and 8 grandchildren ranging from 3 to 14 years old.
I pretty much grew up in the United Methodist Church. My early memories were of Webb's Chapel United Methodist Church and Farmers Branch. We moved around a lot as a kid so I'm sure there were lots of Methodist churches along the way. But when Lynn and I were married we joined a Presbyterian Church and spent several years worshipping there. When we moved to Prosper, we went to try the Presbyterian Church one Sunday morning, but when we pulled up into the parking lot there were only about 5 cars there.
We ended up going to breakfast and never made it back to a Presbyterian Church. After visiting a few of the United Methodist churches in the area we ended up settling at Prosper UMC.
I've served in many different capacities within the church, including leading adult Sunday school classes, serving as a guitar player for VBS, being a part of the praise and worship group when we first tried to do that, being the tent expert when it's time to set up our tent, and serving on most every committee the church has ever formed.
Professionally I have been self-employed in the commercial real estate business as The Lish
Company for about the last 26 years.
I got involved in Stephen Ministry in 2013 when we began the ministry here at the church. What prompted my involvement had to do with the death of the son of a good friend of mine. When the young man passed away, I didn't know what to do or say so I didn't even call my friend. After too long a time, I finally reached out and realized that I didn't have to know what to do or say……I just needed to show up.
Going through the Stephen Ministry training program reinforced the need to show up, and taught me how to be a better listener to people going through difficult times.
My favorite song or verse or scripture I'll paraphrase as “Here I am Lord….use me”. I don't always know where that will take me and sometimes God leads me into places that might make me a little bit uncomfortable, but I know he's there with me. Stepping into the middle of someone else's pain or grief or medical challenges is often a difficult place to be. But through the Stephen Ministry training I know that I don't have to have answers and I'm not there to fix anything. I'm just there to bring the love of Christ into the midst of the hurting person's life.
On a personal note, we very much enjoy traveling with our travel trailer into beautiful
places. I enjoy hiking, fishing, playing guitar, golf, and pretty much anything that involves being outdoors!
If you ever find yourself in a difficult place in life, I’d love to come alongside you and walk through that time with you.
Care receivers are individuals in the congregation or community who are going through a crisis or life difficulty. Potential care receivers first meet with a Stephen Leader, who assesses their needs for care and, if appropriate, matches them with a Stephen Minister. If you or someone close to you is interested receiving care: