Get involved with STEP Do you have a hunger and desire to grow in your walk with Jesus? Has God called you to train and equip other leaders to become mature disciples of Christ? Are you sensing a call to some type of ministry? If so, have you considered STEP? The mission of STEP is to develop transformed leaders for skilled and Spirit-led ministry in congregations and the world. … Read More
Student Reflections (Year 3) by Ethan Myers The Value of the STEP Program By Ethan Myers Do you feel a calling to be a church leader, helping bring others closer to Christ? Would you like to learn how to minister to others effectively? These are the first questions that one should ask themselves when considering if the STEP program is a right fit for them. These are the same questions I asked… Read More
STEP Year 3 Missional Experiment: A Song of Lament!?! by Lynn Shertzer Over the years, I’ve heard so many stories of the trepidation of the pinnacle assignment of the STEP Program. From my vantage point as an instructor, I watch as many students have little or no idea how to proceed with the Missional Experiment that is part of the year 3 curriculum. It appears as a huge mountain! This experiment has the elements… Read More
Bishop Elders Team Biweekly Email – Carta quincenal del Equipo de Obispos Ancianos Esta carta está traducida al Español después de la de Ingles “Advent – Coming” As we entered the advent season, it was in the midst of my own pondering of God’s coming to us at a personal and corporate level. He came to us in the person of Jesus. He is with us and “comes to us” each day, and . . . He is coming back… Read More
STEP Curriculum “I find my biblical knowledge has grown significantly. I am more intentional about practicing the disciplines and I am much better at identifying and holding personal boundaries both at home and in ministry settings!” ~From a Student “STEP has been a big help in my new role as associate pastor. I found it very helpful to learn more about who I am and my own… Read More
Boundary Lines in Pleasant Places STEP Student Reflection (Year 1) by Elvin Kennel By Elvin Kennel In my faith journey, I have experienced several times where I felt that God was clearly nudging me into a “path shift.” Three years ago, I felt a renewed nudge that my ministry was to shift from that of a schoolteacher and administrator into another ministry. After thirty-six years of my ministry in the… Read More
STEP Grants and Stats The LMC Grants Committee is thankful to be able to support and award thirty-five individuals with $25,700 in their educational journeys in the past year. Seventeen of these individuals are STEP students. To learn more about LMC grants, visit https://lmcchurches.org/lmc-grants/? “Resting in the Holy Spirit and listening to His voice greatly improved through STEP. Was grateful for the spiritual discipline books, study, and practice.” ~From… Read More
Better Together, equipped to lead alongside Jesus Student Reflections (Year 2) By Sammy White I was led to join STEP after watching my husband go through the program in 2020. Seeing the transformation in his thinking, understanding, and relationship with Jesus made me excited to join. He began to lead our family in practicing the Spiritual Disciplines and grew in his listening and study skills. We knew we would be better equipped… Read More
UNWRAPPED Esta carta está traducida al Español después de la de Ingles Bi-weekly emailNovember 2023 “Unwrapped”As I have been pondering the story of Lazarus from John 11, two verses in particular have captured my attention and imagination. John 11:43,44 – When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around… Read More
A Word From The Chairman of the STEP Oversight Comission Hello, my name is Tom Eshleman. I’ve been a STEP instructor for eight years and have recently begun chairing the STEP Oversight Commission (SOC). The primary purpose of SOC is to give vision and oversight to the STEP program. I’ve witnessed STEP students profoundly impacted by the relationships they form with their fellow students who are also responding to God’s call to ministry. The STEP… Read More