"SOM was challenging, but I grew so much!"
How I did it: I enrolled in The C3 Church Atlanta's School of Ministry (SOM) first year program in the fall of 2008. I spent the next nine months in an intense training program of learning and practicing pastoral care, finances, health, Bible study, leadership, youth ministry, personality styles, prayer, worship, character, service, etc. I even went on a mission trip to Ecuador!
SOM is a spiritual program, but actually very practical too. We participated in a lot of hands-on learning experiences.
I graduated May 17th, 2009. We got to walk up on stage individually during the church service and we received our certificates. Then, the pastor prayed over us as a group.
SOM pushed me physically, spiritually, emotionally, but rebuilt me as a stronger person. I have more capacity for challenges now. I can relate to people better I think, and I am much more able to connect with God anytime. I am a better prayer warrior, and am ready to take on each day!
Lessons & tips: If you are going through a ministry program, here's my advice:
-- Journal. I started to journal, but when times got tough, I stopped. Now I regret that. It's going to be harder to meditate on my journey now that it is over. I wish I had done that all along.
-- Don't QUIT if at all possible. You are supposed to feel challenged and stretched. You'll probably feel like you can't do anymore, but you CAN. The point is to get to the end of yourself and your capabilities so you can accomplish things in the spiritual realm with God. Keep going.
-- Be a team player, and remember that it's not all about you. Be there for your classmates.
Resources: -- meeting one-on one with people from the church I trust throughout the year (pastors, mentors, previous SOM graduates). They helped me see my experience in a clear perspective and encouraged me to go on.
-- Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, Chef Boyardee canned dinners, and Kroger rotisserie chicken: hahahah.. for quick dinners when I was too tired to cook!
Jun 06, 2009, 09:02PM PDT
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