by Tom Eshleman

Year 1 of STEP challenges students with a class that, for some, can feel like a swimming pool on a frigid day. Each year, at least half of STEP participants have never preached a sermon, so the pulpit assignment can feel as unwelcome as taking the swimming plunge in the cool of spring. Occasionally, a student may make a compelling argument for why they should be exempted from the assignment, but generally we encourage STEP students to push past their fears and trust our faithful God.

Year after year, preaching instructor Joe Garber and I motivate students to take the preaching plunge. We recall our own early days when the waters of preaching felt as frightening and uninviting as our students experience it, and we remember the courage it took to jump in the pool. And every year, Joe and I see God fill our students with courage and watch in amazement as they experience God equipping them for what feels like an intimidating task.

Every student takes a turn presenting a video of themselves preaching in a congregational setting. The STEP students give encouragement and affirmation to one another, as well as gentle constructive critique. I am continually amazed at the insights students offer to one another, calling out and affirming the unique gift and voice each one brings to the pulpit.

Joe and I are thrilled each time we watch the Holy Spirit empower a student to preach. Inevitably, they discover the waters are warmer than they expected and, most of all, they discover the Lord Jesus with them in the water, upholding, empowering, and equipping them to proclaim God’s Word.

Tom Eshleman serves as LMC’s Global Delegate and as the Chairman for the STEP Oversight Commission. Additionally, Tom is the pastor at Groffdale Mennonite Church. He is energized by opportunities to relate with the global church and engage in cross-cultural interaction. He and his wife Jennifer have three children.