Stephen Ministry

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Your Stephen Ministers are working with care receivers; by telephone, by video and in person.
 

NEW CLASSES ARE BEGINNING THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

The goal of Stephen Ministry is to provide distinctively Christian lay ministry to people in need. Without well-trained Stephen Ministers there’s no ministry. If you are interested in more information about this class, please contact Doris Kahley at 609.261.8474 or d.kahley@verizon.net.
 
 
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way,
You will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
 

Compassion: Deeply Sharing the Suffering of Another…

Stephen Ministry has been an integral part of FPC’s caring ministries since its reorganization in 2004. As intended by the founder of Stephen Ministry, Dr. Kenneth C. Haugk, this ministry fulfills the need for care which exceeds beyond what individual pastors can alone provide. General info of this ministry is highlighted on the Fact Sheet.   
 
 
 
 
 
 

Who May Benefit?

When life circumstances bring unexpected burdens, the Stephen Ministers at FPC are here to help. Our Stephen Ministry provides Christ-centered care to members of our congregation and local community who may benefit from loving support, encouragement, prayer and a listening ear. As gifted and trained lay caregivers, Stephen Ministers are equipped to deal with a variety of issues relating to: grief, loneliness, illness, family, marriage, unemployment, spiritual crisis, aging and many more of life’s struggles. Stephen Ministers are often referred to as “the After People.” They are ready to walk alongside those found in the aftermath of life’s disruptions or after the initial support from others has faded.
 
 
 
 

The Assignment of a Caregiver-Care Receiver

The relationship involves careful deliberation and prayerful thought. In addition to compatibility, the commitment to one-to-one visits for as much as an hour per week is essential to building trusting relationships. Each relationship is paired with the same gender. The identity of the Care Receiver and information exchanged during the relationship are private. Stephen Ministry emphasizes the importance of confidentiality.
 
If you are interested in meeting with a Stephen Minister or know someone who may benefit from emotional and spiritual support, please contact our Stephen Minister Coordinator, Peg Pierce at (856) 429-3752 or pegpierce@verizon.net or Associate Pastor Wes Allen at (856) 235-1688 x 101 or wallen@fpcmoorestown.org.

Care-Receivers Tell Their Stories

 
 
 

Becoming a Stephen Minister

A Stephen Minister desires to serve the needs of hurting people in a ministry of compassion. Through the Holy Spirit, Stephen Ministers rely on Christ to bring healing and wholeness to their Care Receivers. They strive to give the same comfort and loving care that they themselves have experienced from “the God of all consolation.” (2 Corinthians 1: 3-5)
 

Life-Changing

The Stephen Ministry can touch and benefit congregants and church staff in a variety of ways. Being a Stephen Minister is a life-changing journey of serving and sharing God’s love. Each caregiver is carefully selected for his/her caregiving skills. Some qualities helpful in becoming a loving caregiver are: compassion for others, gifts of mercy and encouragement, active listener, patience, belief in the power of prayer, understanding of boundaries, self-awareness of limitations and genuineness.

Responsibilities

The Stephen Minister’s basic responsibilities are to support, listen, pray, and care for those in need. Face-to-face contact is crucial in developing trust; therefore, visits with Care Receivers are faithfully scheduled for as much as an hour per week for as long as the need exists. Overall, a commitment to two years of continuous service follows the fifty hour training period. Ongoing education and supervision are provided in a peer-led group which meets every second and fourth Monday each month.

Interested?

FPC Moorestown members interested in becoming a Stephen Minister are encouraged to contact our church office at 856.235.1688. An interview will be scheduled once the completed application is received.
 
 
 

Our Active Stephen Ministers

Lori Bell, Nancy Bender, Marsha Booker, Jim Clinton, Jim Cole, Melissa Corbin, Elizabeth Drzaszcz, Lissa Herman, Doris Kahley, Susan Kenuk, Barbara Lewis, Carol Manion, Jane Murphy, Peg Pierce, Jim Dodimead, Nancy Dodimead, Sue Hill and Ginny Powell.