“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 students: Sarah Giordano, Sandra Granthon-Roman, Hien Minh Huyn (Jules), Jessica Kindon, Tania Madymba, Gordon Reason, Alexis Roman, and Jermaine Shannon. Read below for reflections from a few of them on how the STEP program is helping shape and prepare them for the future.

Sarah Giordano
When I enrolled in STEP, I was transitioning from a position with a national-level touring ministry to something more local. I had accepted an internship with Capital Christian Fellowship (CCF) and figured STEP would prepare me for whatever God had for me, even though I wasn’t sure what that was. Since the beginning, I have finished my internship and joined CCF staff as the Discipleship  Connection Coordinator. STEP has fostered a sense of intentionality as I continue to develop my personal relationship with God. It has also been an invaluable resource for many aspects of ministry as I have explored my calling. Perhaps the most meaningful part of the experience, though, has been the relationships formed within my cohort. It’s so special to be learning and growing with other up-and-coming leaders, sharing in the joys and struggles of ministry, and praying for and supporting one another.

Jessica Kindon
STEP has been a life-giving source of beneficial and quality opportunities for theological and spiritual self-reflection as well as a reflection on Church and its function. Readings and assignments—especially from topics classes such as Survey of the Old and New Testaments and Church history—have pushed me to grow my thinking and understanding. Pastoral care, teaching, and preaching classes have taught me specific skills to listen and communicate with others. However, even more so, many assignments push me deeper into study and spiritual practices, providing me with tools for my own spiritual development that will nourish me far beyond STEP. As I apply what I’ve learned and think forward about the opportunities and situations where I may find myself leading, I am thankful for the ways STEP has prepared me to disciple and equip others to grow spiritually as followers of Jesus. Though I am unsure about where I will find myself in church leadership and ministry service, STEP is providing tools and practices I will need to continue to grow spiritually, engage more deeply with the Bride of Christ, and fulfill God’s reconciling mission in my community and beyond.

Gordon Reason
My journey into STEP was a rocky one, met with hesitation. Having gone through a pastoral and biblical education program at a different church and denomination, I wasn’t quite sure if I wanted to embark on another academic ministry adventure. It has also been fifteen years since I’ve set foot in a classroom. My family and I had just transitioned to a new church under the Mennonite umbrella, and it was a refreshing time of getting to know new people and serving together. It was out of this community that I was encouraged by the leaders to pursue STEP. Not just to further my education and history of the Mennonite church, but also to put myself in a position alongside others to see what the Lord is up to in my life and calling. My time so far has been a wonderful challenge—experiencing a learning curve and a life-giving cohort. To tarry with others as we balance our busy lives, learn what the Lord has done, and discern what He wants to do has been rewarding. There has been growth in my praxis of preaching and in my practical spiritual disciplines. I am learning how to listen better and to love more.

Jermaine Shannon
The STEP program has challenged me to be bold and courageous in my relationship with Jesus and to redefine what I consider to be community. Community has no bounds—only people do—but with God, the impossible becomes possible. I have grown a lot in the pulpit, challenging the traditional outlook on the Word and allowing my experiences to help bridge the gap of who and what God’s people can be. I have gained the confidence to step more into my leadership role and embrace the leader God has called me to be. STEP has allowed me to build deep and meaningful relationships with my cohort, and we have walked closely with each other through life’s adversities and successes. I am thankful for the program and all the instructors who have a passion to instruct us on our journey.