Faith Exploration at St. Stephen
Celebrate the start of a new school and church year in worship with St. Stephen. Explore on this page for all the ways for you to get involved in new (or new to you) ministries and programs for adults, children, youth, missions, and more.
New to St. Stephen?
Welcome! Explore details about some of our upcoming fall programs below or learn more what makes St. Stephen a special place for your faith journey.
Fall Premiere: Sept. 7 Lunch
Join us on Sept. 7 for our “Fall Premiere” and a new “season” of fall ministries and programs. Free churchwide lunch and celebration immediately following worship. Traditional worship at 10am, Modern at 10:30am. Lunch beginning at 11am. Celebration at 11:30am.
Wednesday Night Live!
Begins Sept. 10: Churchwide meal every Wednesday, plus children’s and youth music groups and studies/small groups for adults. Season passes are available to pay for all meals in advance. (Weekly registration will open starting Aug. 31.) Explore Wednesday small groups and studies below.
Adults
New, returning, or refreshed small groups and studies for adults. Take the first or next step in your discipleship journey.
GPS 1 (Wednesdays AM)
Sept. 17 and Sept. 24: Explore your Gifts, Passion, and Style! The GPS 1 class meets for 2 sessions to help participants understand their spiritual gifts and personal style while learning about opportunities to serve in the community. Wednesdays, 10am-12pm.
GPS 1 (Wednesdays PM)
Sept. 17 and Sept. 24: Explore your Gifts, Passion, and Style! The GPS 1 class meets for 2 sessions to help participants understand their spiritual gifts and personal style while learning about opportunities to serve in the community. Wednesdays, 6-8pm.
Disciple 1 Fast Track
Starts Sept. 24: A 24-week deep dive Bible study spending 12 weeks in the Old Testament and 12 weeks in the New Testament. Wednesdays, 6:15-7:45pm.
Disciple 3 Fast Track
Starts Sept. 24: A 24-week deep dive Bible study spending 12 weeks studying the Old Testament prophets and 12 weeks studying the New Testament letters of Paul. Wednesdays, 6:15-7:45pm.
Poverty Simulation
Oct. 19: Could you survive one month living in poverty? Learn more about the challenges our neighbors facing poverty experience. More details to be announced soon.
GPS 2
Starts Oct. 1: A three-week, three-session workshop series exploring one’s passion, the world’s needs, and developing a plan to pursue one’s “God purpose.” Wednesdays, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 10am-12pm.
Theology 101
Starts Oct. 1: A four-week study exploring the major theological framework of Christianity. Can’t make each week? That’s okay! Each session is a stand-alone lesson. A perfect precursor to Methodism 101 (to be offered in the spring). Wednesdays, 6:15-7:15pm.
Book Study: Aging Faithfully
Starts Oct. 14: A five-week study of the book Aging Faithfully: The Holy Invitation of Growing Older by Alice Fryling. Tuesdays, 10-11:15am.
Brunch with the Pastors
Sept. 28: New guests and regular attenders are invited to this special opportunity to meet with our pastors and ministers. Learn more about St. Stephen and how you can take the first or next step in your faith journey. More details to be announced soon.
Spiritual Direction
Starts Oct. 29: A four-week study that will help guide you in deepening your personal relationship with God and discerning God’s will in your life. Wednesdays, 6-7pm.
Faith and Practice
Starts Sept. 14: Exploring our faith and putting into practice our new learnings. Adult formation for new guests and members. Meets every Sunday, 10am, Room 32.
Foundations
NEW GROUP — Starting Oct. 5: For young adults and parents looking to form community and connection. Exploring the foundations of an active faith. Perfect for newcomers, guests, and young adults, singles, and parents who haven’t yet found their own small group.
Children & Youth
At St. Stephen, there is a place for faith exploration and discipleship for all ages.
Children's Ministries
Children's ministries include regular Sunday School for ages 3 through 5th grade, as well as special programs like Club45 for 4th and 5th graders. Families attending ENCOUNTER, our modern worship service, can take advantage of ENCOUNTERkids, a children's worship hour with age-appropriate worship lessons, crafts, and games. Join us any Sunday to learn more or contact Children's Director Christina Nobili at children@ststephenumc.net.
Youth
Youth in middle and high school have special opportunities to grow and mature in their faith through weekly youth groups on Sunday evenings, mission activities, and more. Middle school students can also enroll in confirmation classes this fall. Contact Youth Director Shelby Wilkins at swiklins@ststephenumc.net.
Fall Music Programs
Children ages three through 12th grade can enroll in fall music groups, including chimes and choir. Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 10.
Sign up and learn more
Missions with St. Stephen
St. Stephen's vision is to the "hands, feet, and heart of Jesus Christ" in in our neighborhood, in Charlotte, and in the world. We have a long legacy of community service and missions. Make a plan to serve with St. Stephen.