A cross-cultural approach to training of lay pastoral care givers at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, New Jersey

The development of cross-cultural training program for lay pastoral ministers at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens has impacted the congregation in many ways including but not limited to the following: (1) Laity has claimed its ministry in God's plan of salvation; (2) Laity has become culturally aware trained in the practice of visiting the sick; (3) Laity visits the sick at home, in hospitals and long term facilities; (4) Laity is accountable for ministerial excellence; (5) The scope of pastoral care has expanded and more parishioners are served.;This project was initiated in response to visitation needs of the church which exceeded the ability of its clergy. Due to increased diversity of the membership, the training curriculum had to include cross-cultural issues to meet the changing demographics.;The church has benefited in many ways; the laity has become empowered, there is help for the clergy and improved sense of community. The project enhanced the congregational life of First Baptist Church to the extent that officers of the church requested that similar training be extended to their groups. As a result, the deacon and deaconess boards made the training a mandatory requirement for its new members.