Reflecting on the STEP Program “How has STEP impacted your faith and praxis?” That’s the question we asked our STEP year two students as they get ready to enter into their third and final year of the program. Soon, these students will be creating and implementing a missional experiment, where they will put what they’ve learned into practice. The year two cohort (soon to be year three) consists of eight… Read More
Make Room by Mercedes Thomas These were the words shared with me a week and a half ago during a visit with Aled Griffith, Nick Scott, and Shane Good. Aled is the Team Leader for Synergy, a family of churches across the UK, Spain, and the US Midwest. Visiting from the UK, Aled brought along his friends Nick (from New Zealand) and Shane (from Indiana) to Lancaster,… Read More
The Impact of STEP A Conversation with Graduates from Slate Hill By Mercedes Thomas “The STEP Program is best begun without an end in mind.” That’s what Joy Fasick, Associate Pastor of Slate Hill Mennonite Church, shared when asked about the STEP Program. Joy was a graduate of STEP in 2012—Slate Hill’s first graduate—and now serves as an instructor in the program. I had the opportunity to conduct a… Read More
Life as an Urban Missionary by Michael Clancy As I enter my eighth year as an urban missionary, I wholeheartedly dedicate myself to helping men transition from prison and programs back into society. In 2016, I met Shawn Connatser, a man with long hair and a warm smile. He first attended my Bible studies at the Lebanon County Correctional Facility, and soon after, he became part of our congregation through… Read More