STEPHEN MINISTRY
The Community Church of Mountain Lakes is pleased to offer its Stephen Ministers to the wider community. Having undergone intensive training in compassionate care, our Stephen Ministers, are ready to walk with individuals through the difficulties of life, providing a listening ear and unconditional positive regard.
What are Stephen Ministers? Stephen Ministers are laypeople trained to provide confidential one-to-one, Christ-centered care. They have a compassionate heart for those who are hurting, and they’re equipped with caring ministry skills and the support of the whole Stephen Ministry team.
A Stephen Minister typically has one care receiver at a time and meets with that person once a week to listen, care, pray, encourage, and offer emotional and spiritual support. Each Stephen Minister receives supervision through a process that protects the confidentiality of the care receiver.
Folks have found it helpful to have a Stephen Minister when working through the grief of the loss of a parent or other loved one, when dealing with a serious illness or diagnosis in oneself or one’s family, when living through one of life’s transition such as the addition of a new family member, a move, a divorce, becoming an empty nester, retirement and many other life changes.
We are excited to offer this ministry of compassion and care. If you are interested in learning more, or receiving care from a Stephen Minister, please contact Dr. Duke at revdrduke@optimum.net or call the church office at 973-334-6500.