Report 10

Staff Interview with Danielle Hedgepeth

1. When and how were you “called” into ministry—how did it come to you? (a voice from God? a growing certainty, How?

I was a camper and then a counselor in training and had a desire to further my ministry and a vision to get more campers to come to camp and the job was available. After receiving from camp I wanted to give back.

2. What is your favorite task in ministry—what do you like doing the most? Why?

Leading activities such as Outdoor Living Skills and teaching because I get satisfaction from seeing the kids learn and I like the challenge of helping them get it.

3. What is your least favorite task—the things you like doing the least in ministry? Why?

Hunting down paperwork in the middle of the summer and dealing with conflict especially when it is staff related.

4. What has been the hardest part of being in ministry in your life so far?

Balancing work and family, not letting it consume me and not wanting to deal with people anymore when the job is all people oriented.

5. What is the most rewarding part of your ministry so far?

Seeing people grow and learn and being a part of it.

6. What advantages do you have being a woman in ministry? Disadvantages?

I am more able to lead women because I am a woman but I don’t think I have advantages because I am a woman, only because they are things I can do well. Yet as a woman I want to take care of everyone and it’s not as easy for women to balance family and ministry since they are the primary caretaker of the household.

7. In what ways do you see leadership as a part of your ministry?

Being an example, thinking about others first and how I can empower them and not just do it all myself even if it may be easier. I need to think about the people and not the program.

8. What are some key areas to keep in mind when actively involved in ministry?

It is God’s work, I am responsible for my part but He is the one who is doing it. Also, trusting everything to Him and not trying to do it on your own.

9. What are some areas in my ministry I do well with? What can I improve on?

You are good with working with the kids, being willing to be there, and you have improved greatly in your confidence. But I still think your confidence can still improve.

10. What questions should I have asked you that would help me understand ministry better? (include answer.)

Have you thought about what you want to do as a youth minister?

I want to either work in a church as a youth pastor, a residential home, or an orphanage/girl’s home.

Reflection

After talking to my Assistant Director, Danielle Hedgepeth, I was encouraged to know that my confidence has greatly improved since last year. I still struggle to show this confidence in my practicums at churches because it is hard to know where I fit in, in the ministry. I am not the one in control or responsible for the youth, so I do not step out of my comfort zone as much. However, when I am at camp it is so much easier to do this because I have a group of girls assigned to me and I am responsible for them. Also, I was glad to see that her call to ministry was gradual as well because I myself never had a huge revelation about it. I just keep being reminded that this is what God wants me to do. This summer helped me significantly to know that I am called to youth ministry. Yet I still need to figure out where I am called and was glad when Danielle asked me what I wanted to do. I have many options and I need to start praying about them and listening for God to call me in one direction. And as a woman, I know that it will be difficult once again to balance my time especially since I plan on having a family. I have always known that I have been called to be a mother and I hope that when this happens, I will still be able to be effective in my ministry. It was also nice to be reminded that nothing I do is changing the lives of youth; I can be a part of it but ultimately it is God doing the work.

Report 9

Staff Interview with Nancy Halliday

1. When and how were you “called” into ministry—how did it come to you? (a voice from God? a growing certainty, How?

Gradual Realization, one thing led to another

2. What is your favorite task in ministry—what do you like doing the most? Why?

Teaching because it is God’s gift to me and I like to see people grow and see the light bulb come on.

3. What is your least favorite task—the things you like doing the least in ministry? Why?

Talking to people on the phone because it can be frustrating and I am introverted and do not prefer it.

4. What has been the hardest part of being in ministry in your life so far?

Balancing everything while I am working full-time.

5. What is the most rewarding part of your ministry so far?

Seeing kids and staff make progress in their walk with God.

6. What advantages do you have being a woman in ministry? Disadvantages?

Woman tend to have a better learning curve and work together pretty easily and are great with building teams. Yet they tend to have to work harder to prove themselves to be in authority because of the authority structure we have in our culture.

7. In what ways do you see leadership as a part of your ministry?

I have to provide leadership for the staff and plan, delegate, control, stay true to the mission, and set the culture for camp. There is a lot of pressure when making decisions because my word is usually the last word but I myself like to make shared decisions.

8. What are some key areas to keep in mind when actively involved in ministry?

Keep your relationship with God fresh, always be growing and listening to Him all the time and what He wants. Take care of your spiritual journey or you won’t have any resources for God to bless.

9. What are some areas in my ministry I do well with? What can I improve on?

You do well with relating to the kids and working with them. You are a willing worker and aren’t afraid to jump in to help, I always get a positive response when watching you. And if you work on stuff with your mother that will definitely benefit you personally and in the Ministry.

10. What questions should I have asked you that would help me understand ministry better? (include answer.)

None

Reflection

After interviewing the director of the camp Nancy Halliday, I was reminded how important it is to be able to balance our time as ministers. I know that that is already something I need to work on and will probably always have to keep in mind. I also liked her answer for the most rewarding part of ministry. I myself love to see the youth grow in their faith. But for me, I really enjoy building the relationships with the youth and being able to teach them things they have not thought about before. I wanted to ask about women in ministry simply because she is a woman of God and I am a woman going into ministry. I know that there will be advantages and perhaps more disadvantages due to today’s culture. Nancy did mention that we as woman do tend to have to prove ourselves a little more than men. However, I hope to study more of God’s word and learn what it means to be a woman in ministry and find confidence that God will use me whether I am a man or woman. I also very much agree with the key areas she mentioned and believe that this summer I was very focused on those things. I don’t think I could have given her a positive response if I hadn’t. I hope to remember to always rely on God in my ministry and not get stuck going through the motions.