Ministry to People with Disabilities
My name is Molly Steiner, and I am called to ministry to people with disabilities I live in Northeastern, Wisconsin, in the United States. I grew up in a Christian home and accepted Christ when I was six years old. I went on several mission trips when I was in high school, and I also got involved with a camp for people with disabilities and loved it. It changed me.
Personal Growth at the Disability Camp
I started as a counselor in training, then counselor, worker, and intern. I eventually came on as a full-time missionary at Camp Daniel and was there for five years. There, I learned so much about ministry, life, serving, leadership, sacrifice, raising support, helping others, loving others, community, life skills, and so much more.
During my time there, I led a small group Bible study for ladies with special needs and helped with the office administration. I helped with construction projects and would lead teams when they came for workdays. I was a Special Olympics coach and agency manager. Sound and video set up and helping with other tasks were part of my work as well. This work was for our Friday night church for people with disabilities called The Able Church. For the last year, I was also the worship leader.
We had four weeks of summer camp. During the summer, I helped the director’s wife, and we stayed one step ahead of the group and set up and took down for different events and activities. I did the administration with applications, nametags, schedules, and signups. I led worship, took pictures, and many other things.
Called to Ministry to People with Disabilities
All of those things shaped me, and my ministry passion is people with disabilities. They are a blessing to be around. Most of my spiritual growth came from spending time with them. There is joy and innocence about them. They worship purely and beautifully since they don’t have stuff in the way as we do. They can connect with God on a deep and meaningful level. I have learned much from them.
There are many people with disabilities in my community. There are many group homes and a couple of workshops. The mission field is enormous. Most people with disabilities don’t come to church because they don’t have a ride. We can start with that. It has been a privilege to be a part of The Able Church, a church for people with disabilities. The church has been around for about eight years. It has been exciting to watch it grow and change. It has been a blessing to see the members get involved with Bible study, service projects, and things during the service.
My Marriage and Our Ministry to People with Disabilities
During my time at Camp Daniel, I met my husband, Justin. Justin has a physical disability. He is in a wheelchair. We married in August of 2015. He shares a passion for working with people with disabilities, as well. I guess you could say my life was destined for disability ministry because I live it every day now.
I don’t know what God has next for us, but I know it will be okay. Right now, Justin is going to school to be a network specialist. We do the sound and video at the church for people with disabilities, the kid’s ministry, and Celebrate Recovery. It has been a blessing to do all of these ministries together. The church I am currently involved with supports me because they are entirely supportive of the ministry for people with disabilities we are doing there.
My Vision and Study at CLI
I can see myself as a mix of a pastor, evangelist, small group leader, and church planter. My heart is in all of those for sure. If I had to choose one, it would be a small group leader. I got to watch a group of ladies change and grow over four years of leading Bible study with them. In the end, they became leaders. It was a beautiful thing.
Please, pray that God shows us what is next and that we follow in that. Pray that God will bring more workers and helpers for our church. Please, pray that God provides drivers, so our members have a ride to church.
I have some extra time on my hands right now, and I wanted to take advantage of it. I have some ministry training, and now I want some Biblical training. Even though I live in the US, things are tight. I wouldn’t be able to do this any other way. I am so thankful for the Christian Leaders Institute for providing me with this opportunity to get the training I need to do the ministry God has called me to do.
Learn about ordination with the Christian Leaders Alliance.
Licensed Youth Minister Dream
My name is Megan Qualls, and I have a licensed youth minister dream and call. I am from Odessa, Texas, United States of America. Being a Christian leader here is good and bad since sometimes am I met with interest and sometimes with resistance.
My childhood was decent, and my parents raised me in the church community. However, one day, my world fell apart when my dad left. His leaving led me to go down (what I did not realize at the time) a long and twisted path that would lead me away from my walk with Christ. I met the Lord the first time in my church. But then, I strayed away when I met my first husband.
My Licensed Youth Minister Dream
My spiritual dream changed from what it was a couple of years ago. Now, it is to be the best youth leader I can be. Having a fantastic youth group full of teenagers that love Jesus with everything they have is a big part of my dream.
My obstacles were similar to many others. These obstacles included people of the opposite sex, the temptation of drugs, trying to find the love I was missing from my dad in other people. It became apparent to me that I couldn’t do life on my own, and I especially needed Jesus.
Therefore, right before I married my second husband, I knew that I wanted to live life right with God at the center. When I became a parent and wanted my life to reflect Him so my children could see Him, that is when God became real to me.
Free Youth Ministry Training at CLI
I want to use my Christian Leaders Institute ministry training to become a licensed youth minister. Free training is necessary for me because where I live, the cost of living is high, and we are a one-income household at the moment. So, this free training allows me to do what I love and not have to worry about the extra costs involved. Thank you, Christian Leaders Institute!
Learn about ordination opportunities at the Christian Leaders Alliance.
Called and Trained
My name is Michael Miller, and I am from Santa Barbara, CA. Here is the testimony of my spiritual journey to Christ and free ministry training at CLI. Now, I am being called and trained for God’s army.
I am the youngest child in my family. I come from a broken home where my parents did not mention Jesus. It was not until I left home and went through troubles that I realized that something was wrong with society. It was at this time at 27 years of age that I called out to Christ Jesus. Then I came to a place where I met my real family in Christ and was baptized into Jesus. I also attended the LA International Church of Christ.
Struggles and Growth
It has not been an entirely comfortable journey since then. I have had to overcome much damage caused to me by my abusive and neglectful parents and sibling. Also, in my struggles was my deep addiction to drugs and alcohol already from my childhood. I continue going through my character flaw issues even at the age of 56. However, I have put my trust in Jesus and believe that He will see me through to my journey home to Him as I am now.
Ministry Training at CLI: Called and Trained for God’s Army
I have come to the Christian Leaders Institute to deepen my understanding of scripture. Also, I want to have the training needed to be more effective in leading others to Christ. My dream has always been from a young age to be a person who would help other people to a better life. I found my calling as a disciple of Jesus, and I understand that this is the very purpose for which God created me. Furthermore, I know that God uses all the troubles and conditions of my life to help me relate to the people He sends to me.
I thank my God that I am here today and able to take these courses. I hope that I learn to be a better witness to those whom He puts in my life. Thank you, all at CLI, and may God bless our shared mission.
Learn about ordination at Christian Leaders Alliance.