January 7, 2015

Kari Snell, First Orlando
I came to the Methodist church about three years ago, after I had gone through a church split in another denomination.  I had reservations about being a part of another church, but had never been in a Methodist church before and was not sure what to expect.  What I found was grace, healing, and the start of a wonderful discipleship journey.

My journey of faith took a dramatic turn through the support I have received through the Methodist churches.  I was a member of a church in the Keys and the pastor encouraged me to grow further in my Biblical education.  As I was completing my undergraduate work in Biblical Studies, he urged me to explore graduate education.  Through that support God really spoke to me about going to Seminary.

As I realized that God was placing a call on my life for vocational ministry I made the move to Central Florida to be closer to Seminary and start a new position at a church.   

It was at this church in Central Florida that I began to work through the Candidacy process.  The clergy and laity of this church nurtured me as a potential candidate for ministry.  I attended the Candidacy retreat weekend, and participated in the mentoring groups.  Each step of this journey I have found God has placed people that would love and nurture my faith and calling.

I am now serving at another Central Florida church part time as I am attending Seminary full time.  I have also been endorsed as a Certified Candidate for Ministry.  I am looking forward to what the next year will bring in growth in my discipleship journey.  I am excited about being a part of the Methodist church and thankful for the support that I have received on my discipleship journey.

The one thing that excites me the most about being a Methodist right now is the call to return to the Wesleyan discipleship roots.  I love Wesleyan societies, classes, and bands, and I am particularly encouraged that I see a call to return to Wesleyan roots in this area.  I am in the process of forming my own personal accountability band, believing that this will only help me grow further in my discipleship journey. Discipleship will help me grow further into becoming a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Up January 21...

Dorothea Schaefer, Christ Palm Bay
The disciple shares the story of starting a Young@Heart Circle and how their ministries reach the elderly, shut ins and children who are in transition or homeless. "I feel that we, as a Circle, and our congregation are doing God's work.