Author: Daniel Hollinger
Growing up going to Stonebridge, I always got to see the many different ways people served around me and how they were faithful to their calling from God. Having the privilege to serve alongside them throughout high school was a real blessing. It was these experiences that I had growing up that helped me to transition to help minister to others once I got to college in Ames.
When I first got to school, I was connected to a college ministry and I knew I wanted to serve there because I had gotten to serve at Stonebridge for many years. I am very thankful for the desire God placed in my heart because through my experiences serving in Ames I saw huge spiritual growth. I have gone through various trials and temptations as a college student, but the strong spiritual foundation that God worked up in me at Stonebridge when I was younger helped me to lean on God through them and mature in my faith. It is through these experiences that I am able to effectively serve others here and walk alongside them in faith as we go through life in college.
Recent Posts
I have to admit that I am frequently tempted towards discouragement when ministering the gospel to others given my desire to see change happen (a good thing) on my timeline (a not so good thing) and also with my specific strategies at play (a good and bad thing). There are counseling situations that are so complex and require the “long haul” perspective, that is, setting aside a desired or forced timeline to finish the counseling season to trust increasingly in the Spirit to work at some undefined time in the future. So how do we navigate these types of situations with faithfulness?
A Growth Group is 2 to 4 women meeting regularly with openness and vulnerability, to encourage one another to grow in becoming more like Jesus. They are designed for women to talk with one another about how what they are learning is directly impacting, challenging, and encouraging them in their walk with Jesus. It is so encouraging to hear how women’s lives are being transformed by these intimate groups filled with sisters in Christ spurring each other on.
As you reflect back on this past week, or month, it doesn’t take too long before you’re reminded that many people in your spheres of influence are facing trials. Many times these are situations that are over their head and the circumstances surrounding them are often complex. Life is hard and at the same time our God is always good and faithful though it all. When life gets hard, “counseling” is often mentioned as a default. How do we guide people to the next best step when life gets hard?