By Mercedes Thomas

We are excited to present to you the most recent graduating class of STEP students: Huỳnh Minh Hiên, Jessica Kindon, Tania Madymba, Sarah Poe, Gordon Reason, Jermaine Shannon, Sandra Granthon and Alexis Roman-Rodriquez. The graduation ceremony took place on Saturday, May 16 at Slate Hill Mennonite Church.

During the ceremony, Tania Madymba and Gordon Reason—selected by their peers to share—spoke briefly about their own experiences and what STEP has meant to them. And graduate Jessica Kindon led everyone in attendance in congregational singing. 

Bishop and STEP Instructor John Nissley gave the Celebration Address about Lingering Leaders, highlighting the example of Joshua in Exodus 33. Even after Moses would finish speaking with God and leave the Tent of Meeting, Joshua would linger, desiring to stay in the presence of the Lord. John encouraged the graduates to be leaders who lingered in God’s presence.

The ceremony was followed by lunch, catered by Jon & Maria’s. Families, friends, graduates, and instructors enjoyed a time of fellowship.

Congratulations to these new graduates!

STEP (Study, Transform, Engage, Prepare), is a three-year program in a cohort model that provides non-traditional ministry leadership training. Class meets once per month for nine months each year, with online assignments and homework between each meeting. We are now accepting applications for Fall 2026. Applications due by August 1.