[LOVE GOD] FOLLOWING TO LEAD: MARIANNE HEBERT It is with great joy and celebration that the Ministry of Spiritual Formation at FUMC in partnership with Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary recognizes and honors eleven members of First Methodist who have successfully completed the two year training for Paraprofessional Certification in Spiritual Formation Ministries. Congratulations to: Stacy Garrett, Stuart Gilly, Carolyn Golightly, Katie Goodson, Marianne Hebert, Vicki Kellum, Eric Lockridge, Kay Martin, Lynn Mitchell, Mary Rotenberg, and Jennifer Rossnagel.
»» FOLLOWING TO LEAD »» Marianne Hebert and Kay Martin reflect on their experiences and how following God's call to step out of their comfort zones has given them the confidence to lead others toward a deeper relationship with God.
BY MARIANNE HEBERT
M
y journey of spiritual formation began several years prior to my participation in the Paraprofessional training program for Spiritual Formation ministries, a training program coordinated and sponsored by the Ministry of Spiritual Formation at FUMC. God had placed many spiritual friends and mentors in my life…. to name a few, Cherri Johnson, Rev. Liz Wyatt, Carolyn Peyton, Rev. Becky Poor and my Disciple group who journeyed with me for five years as we studied Scripture. When Cherri Johnson, Director of Spiritual Formation, approached me about participating in “this amazing new opportunity”, I felt a sense of excitement that I hadn’t felt in a very long time. I didn’t understand fully, at that time, what she was offering me, but I did have a “heart-warming” experience!
I asked myself, 'Am I ready to commit to this training? Lord, I’m scared.' I prayed and I listened. My response turned out to be the best decision I have ever made! I stepped out of my comfort zone and said, Yes! God, I will do this! After speaking with Cherri, I learned that the Ministry of Spiritual Formation was partnering with GarrettEvangelical Theological Seminary to provide two year training in Spiritual Formation. The program would bring in professors from Garrett Theological Seminary to teach the courses. Completion of this training would qualify me for Paraprofessional Certification in Spiritual Formation. I thought, “Wow, this is just what I have been waiting for! “I didn’t expect to go through a time of questioning my decision, but eventually I asked myself, “Am I ready to commit to this training? Lord, I’m scared.” I prayed and I listened. My response turned out to be the best decision I have ever made! I stepped out of my comfort zone and say, “Yes! God, I will do this!” After committing to the journey, my first course was on Christian spiritual disciplines and listening for God speaking in my life. I learned about prayer and my relationship with God. I learned how to listen for God and how to
14 930north | www.firstmethodist.org | Fall 2018
