Conference Team Members: Volunteers Who Make a Big Difference

Stephen Ministries volunteer Conference Team couples work hard behind the scenes to keep our training courses running smoothly. Conference Team couples travel around the country, enjoy close fellowship with the Stephen Ministries staff and other Conference Team couples, and provide essential ministry at Stephen Ministries training courses.

We invite you to meet these exceptional couples. You and your spouse might even decide to join them as part of our Conference Team!

Jim and Jan Hermanson

Jim and Jan Hermanson of Cambridge, Minnesota, have both had a lifelong connection to caregiving--before retiring, Jan was an oncology nurse, and Jim was the executive director of a mental health center. They also both had trained as Stephen Leaders and helped start up Stephen Ministry at their home congregation before learning about the Conference Team.

When they received a letter from Stephen Ministries describing volunteer opportunities, they were intrigued. Jim says, "We realized it would be something that we could do together after retirement and that we felt a lot of commitment to." So they applied for the role.

Working with the Conference Team has been a great fit for Jim and Jan; because of their experience with the system, they're both enthusiastic about having the chance to help make Stephen Ministry happen in congregations. "Anything we can do to help people get this ministry started is essential," Jan says.

Serving as CTMs has been a powerful, enjoyable experience for the Hermansons. "We've been CTMs for three or four years now, and we still look forward to it every time," Jim says. "I truly love what we're doing--I feel like it's a highlight of the year whenever we get to go." Jan agrees, saying, "You're tired at the end of the day, but it's such an important job that it's all worthwhile. I would encourage anyone who's thinking about it to go for it."

Mike and Ruth McClelland

Mike and Ruth McClelland of Friendswood, Texas, also serve as Conference Team Members. When Mike retired from the Navy, he and Ruth became active in going on mission trips together through their church. Ruth had also been serving as first a Stephen Minister and then a Stephen Leader, so she was familiar with the organization when they found out about the Conference Team. Ruth says, "When the opportunity came up to serve as CTMs, we were excited about finding something else we could work on together."

Mike only knew of the program through Ruth's involvement, and when they became Conference Team Members he decided that it would be helpful to go through Stephen Minister training to learn more about the program, but he didn't plan on actually serving as a Stephen Minister. As he went through training, however, he saw what kind of a difference his involvement could make in the congregation, and he decided to start serving actively--he now has a care receiver.

Becoming a part of such a unique team has been rewarding for them both. "The culture of Stephen Ministries is different from anything else I've ever experienced," Ruth says. "The training was so involved, but we had wonderful support both from the staff and from the other CTMs. The thoroughness is a major reason why Stephen Ministry is such a great program."

The most important benefit for them has been the opportunity to get more closely involved in meaningful ministry. Mike says, "It's a great chance to grow in your relationship with God and to help people in need down the road. Knowing that others will get the care they need because of what we're helping to do makes it all worthwhile."

Bob and Roxie McDonald

Bob and Roxie McDonald of Bulverde, Texas, first encountered Stephen Ministry through their home church. Roxie says, "What really got me interested in serving as a CTM was when I attended the LTC in San Antonio. I had never been a part of something so well organized. I told Bob about it, and that got his attention too."

Later, when they had both retired--Bob from the trucking industry, Roxie from medical billing--they decided to give the Conference Team a try.

They've both greatly enjoyed being a part of this team. Bob says, "Most employers don't give you this level of training or support. Everyone on the team assertively offers one another the help and guidance needed to do the best job possible."

"You don't even feel like a volunteer," Roxie agrees. "You're a full member of the team, and your role is extremely important."

Being able to volunteer as a couple is another important benefit for them. Bob says, "It's great because we love to travel together and do everything together. When we go back to our room at the end of the day, we sit and talk about the day's work and the people we met. You just wouldn't get that if you volunteered alone."

Bob and Roxie are both delighted to help out with such a powerful training experience. "It's inspiring to be around hundreds of people eager to learn about this ministry," Bob says. "The difference you see in them from the first night to the last morning is amazing."

Del and Ellie VanDyke

Del and Ellie VanDyke of Holland, Michigan, also enjoy serving on the Conference Team. Del worked in the trucking industry for 20 years and payroll service for another 20 years, and Ellie was an elementary school teacher. After retiring, Ellie trained as a Stephen Leader for Third Reformed Church.

Both Ellie and Del were enthusiastic about joining the Conference Team. Their service has greatly encouraged their personal growth, both in leadership and in their life together as a couple.

"The thoroughness of the training we received really impressed me," Del says. Ellie adds, "Stephen Ministries thinks of everything--all the details are in place. We appreciated that because it helped us understand right from the outset what the organization is all about."

"I enjoy the work we do," Ellie says. "A lot of thought goes into what Stephen Ministries has us do--what would be both rewarding to us and important to the organization."

You can read more about Del and Ellie VanDyke in their Employee Snapshot.

Join the Team!

Stephen Ministries is looking for new couples to join the Conference Team. If you and your spouse are in good health and are willing to join other Conference Team couples at three or four training courses (ten days each) a year, check out this opportunity for travel, great fellowship, and meaningful ministry!

Visit www.stephenministries.org/volunteer to find more information and download an application. If you have any questions, please call our Director of Human Resources, Steve Glynn, at (314) 428-2600.