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.