Stephen Ministry
Are you a caring person?
If you are looking for a way to bring Christ's love to those who are hurting, prayerfully consider applying to become a member of the next Stephen Ministry training class.
What is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry consists of trained members of our congregation who are committed to providing one-to-one care to people in need (e.g. loneliness, separation/divorce, illness or hospitalization, grief or other crisis situations).
Stephen Ministers establish confidential caring relationships with care receivers. On average, they spend 10-12 hours per month on weekly visits and bi-weekly Stephen Ministry meetings.
Testimonials from Stephen Ministers
Alene Harrington: "Stephen Ministry has broadened my understanding of people and has helped me to try and think before I judge others who have different ways than myself. Getting to know the people I've had the privilege of spending time with as a listener has blessed me far more than I feel they have been blessed. For that I am thankful."
Tom Dilts: "I have seen first hand the power of prayer and God's amazing healing of heart and spirit. I have also been privileged to witness the amazing faith and strength of the men with whom I have walked. The truth is that I have been blessed by my care receivers, my fellow Stephen Ministers, and by God, far beyond anything that I have been able to give or do."
Stephen Ministers Must:
- be members (or be willing to become members) of Liberty Corner Church.
- attend 50 hours of training, starting on January 8th.
- commit to be available for service for 18 months, following training.
- participate in ongoing supervision and continuing education every two weeks.
- maintain confidentiality at all times
Training is Required
Training starts on a Sunday, and concludes with a retreat on a Saturday. A total of 50 hours of training include additional dates for supervision and continuing education.
Click here to download the full 2012 schedule. (PDF).
The next Stephen Ministry training class will will begin in January 2014.
Click here to see the topics of study (PDF).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much money will this training cost?
All training materials are provided. You are not expected to spend any money on the care receiver.
Q: Who are the care receivers?
Members of our congregation and people from the community who are experiencing difficult times and have asked for support. They may have lost a job or a loved one. They could be having difficulty with a relationship. They may be experiencing a short-term illness or living with a chronic or terminal illness. No problem is too semingly insignificant or too large to ask for help.
Q: Will the care receiver really want my care?
Yes. A pastor or Stephen Leader will meet first with the care receiver to explain Stephen Ministry and verify that he/she wishes to receive care from a Stephen Minister.
Click here to download more questions and answers (PDF).
Click here to read some common perceptions and facts about Stephen Ministry (PDF).
Need More Information?
Contact Barbara Barkley at 908-766-2249 or email stephenministry@libertycorner.org.