Those who knew Meshach Kanyion were not surprised when they heard he was going into pastoral ministry. He graduated college prepared to pursue a career in finance. “My goal was to become a filthy rich hedge fund manager,” Kanyion said.

While working in finance, Kanyion began reading books about St. Francis of Assis, the founder of the Franciscans who led a Christian life of poverty. Moved and inspired by the “Christlikeness” of the Saint and how he lived his life, he decided to attend seminary and began pastoral ministry.

Kenyion has been a pastor for 16 years, currently serving as lead pastor of Church of the Savior in Cincinnati. He lives his life under the “tutelage” of Jesus, as a father, friend, neighbor, writer, and even as a pastor. “I often tell people that my work is to study Jesus life so I can become like him and teach others to do the same,” Kenyion said.

When thinking of those wrestling with their call, Kenyion suggests focusing on living each day as a disciple of Jesus. He said, “When the time comes for you to go down a particular road for the Lord you can be certain that he’ll guide you. Your part is to keep drawing near to him, familiarizing yourself with his voice, and doing small, mundane things for his sake. It’s the one who is faithful with little that will be entrusted with much.”

REV. SHAWN MORRIS, ELDER

As a paramedic, Shawn Morris spent the first half of his career caring for the physical and emotional needs of his patients. Little did he know that a trip to Lakeside, Ohio would bring him into a life of caring for the emotional and spiritual needs of others.

Shawn’s wife, Lea Ann, was an at-large member of annual conference. Shawn joined her. He cannot remember the specific worship service he attended; he does remember feeling a stirring in his soul.

He took a walk by the lake, sat down on a bench and heard someone say, “You can do that.” “I turned to see who was speaking and no one was there,” Morris said. He shrugged it off, tuned back toward the lake. A few moments later, he heard the voice again, “You can do this.” Shawn thought to himself, “Do what?” He heard the voice again, “Preach!” He dismissed the thought.

Eventually, he spoke to his wife and then his pastor, Rev. Diann O’Bryant. She encouraged him to attend a lay ministry academy. It was there that he felt more confirmation.

After attending United Theological Seminary, he was ordained as an elder and served in local church ministry. Through a clinical pastoral education program, Shawn found his niche: chaplaincy. For seven years, he served as a chaplain in the neonatal and pediatric intensive care departments of Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Just recently, he accepted a position as Family Services Coordinator through Lifeline Ohio, an organization that promotes and coordinates organ donation.

“There is something special about being with a family while they find hope in the tragic situation,” he said. For those who may be considering ministry he suggests seeking counsel from pastors and others. “Be willing to step out in faith,” Shawn concluded.

REV. JESSICA STONECYPHER, DEACON

Jessica Stonecypher likes spiders, horses, and people. What does that have to do with ministry? In her ministry setting, it means everything.

As a teen, Jessica exhibited talents and gifts that would make her a great pastor. People at Grace Church in zanesville were quick to acknowledge those gifts and spoke to Jessica about what they saw in her.

In undergraduate school, Jessica knew she was called to ministry but didn’t know how it would work especially since she didn’t see herself as a traditional pastor. “My call to ministry isn’t easily connected to an established career path in the church,” Jessica said. For her, the Deacon track was a perfect fit.

Currently Jessica is serving as an agriculture teacher at Zanesville middle and high schools and she teaches therapeutic horseback riding part time. Agricultural ministry has required creativity and risk.

“When we have the courage to expand our definition of ministry, we are able to notice Christ’s presence in unexpected ways. For me working alongside horses, volunteers, people with disabilities and mental health challenges have brought me the most fulfillment. God shows up in every lesson and I learn something new about who God is every time,” she said.

Jessica’s advice for those seeking clarity around their place in God’s Kin-dom is twofold. “First, allow your daily life to become ministry; remember that it all matters,” she said. “Second, dare to lean into your uniqueness. God will use your specific interests and talents for good.”

JODY STEVENS, DEACONESS / OUTREACH COORDINATOR

When Jody Stevens was a little girl, she loved spending time with her grandmother. Together they would do various community mission projects including visiting people in nursing homes.

“Grandma used to say that mission work starts at home. She would always speak to people no matter their age or circumstance,” Jody said. As Jody became an adult, her grandmother continued to remind her of the importance of doing God’s work.

Several years ago, Jody attended Mission U, a United Methodist Women (now known as United Women in Faith) educational program that includes Bible-based curricula and events. Carlene triplett, a deaconess spoke at the event. After a conversation with Carlene, Jody decided to apply for the deaconess program.

Just like her grandmother, Jody has never met a stranger. Within moments, Jody engages people in conversation as first time visitors at church or standing in line at the grocery store. She excels at engaging others in ministry. Jody volunteers at the Interim Hospice and Palliative Care and often recruits others to provide spiritual care through reading Scriptures and praying with those in the final stages of earthly life.

Jody is grateful for the strong women in her life who taught her the importance of sharing the Gospel and helping people recognize their value.

For those who may be struggling with their own call to ministry, Jody suggests finding your passion. “Do that,” she said. “And believe people around you when they say they see something special in You. Most importantly, pray for guidance. God will lead you in the right direction.

JAMI NATHAN, JUSTICE MINISTRIES COORDINATOR

Jami Nathan has a key role in restoring hope and healing to those impacted by the criminal justice system. As Ministries Coordinator of All In Community, a ministry started in West Ohio, Nathan finds purpose today. Her path to this point wasn’t straightforward.

For years Nathan worked and volunteered in diverse positions but never found fulfillment. Later she decided to return to school earning her bachelor’s degree and accepted a teaching position in the Corrections Center in Northwest Ohio.

Working at the center, Nathan didn’t know what to expect. She had many experiences and often shared them with her husband, Rev. Jim Nathan. One day, he smiled during one of her stories and said, “You’ve found your purpose.”

“One of the great rewards of teaching the incarcerated is seeing them accomplish what they didn’t believe they could,” Nathan said. Nathan recalls a moment when a student, a larger-than-life, ex-gang member passed his General Educational Development (GED) test. For over a year, the man struggled with the math section.

Learning he passed, Nathan wanted to deliver the news in person, but the student refused to see her. After the corrections officer demanded he see her, Nathan delivered the news in front of the student’s entire unit. congratulations!,” Nathan exclaimed. In a place where inmates and staff are not allowed to touch, only saying, “thank you.” The overjoyed student hugged Nathan, picked her up and twirled her around. This was confirmation to Nathan that she was walking in her purpose; “To break down barriers to show others their worth in this world and the next.”

When considering those who are wrestling with their call, Nathan suggests, “Being open to receiving all messages can illuminate your path forward towards a whole new world with unexpected blessings you’ll receive in return.”

KENYETTA HARDY, LOCAL CHURCH DIRECTOR OF CONGREGATIONAL CARE

Kenyetta Hardy knew she was destined to do something special. She embodied leadership skills but was more comfortable in the background.

Her grandmother has always been her encourager. “She would say, ‘God doesn’t call the equipped but equips the called.” Hardy said.

When Hardy moved to Central Ohio to connect with family, she worked as a temporary employee at the West Ohio Conference Center. During this time, she began pursuing a degree in the mental health field but that didn’t work out as planned. “I said Lord if you want me have this degree, you are going to have to pay for it.”

Later, Hardy accepted a position at Scioto Ridge United Methodist Church as Director of Congregational Care, a role she leaned into confidently. Additionally, she is leading, “Renew, Refresh and Restore,” a new respite ministry at the church.

Rev. Jason Wellman, lead pastor of Scioto Ridge encouraged Hardy to work become a Certified Lay Minister; she completed her first class in February.

For anyone discerning their call, Hardy recommends praying for guidance. “Allow Him to lead.” Hardy said “I went from being a temp at the conference office with an unfinished bachelors’ degree to becoming a director for one of the best churches in denomination and conference! I love what I do!”

JULIE CARTER, DIRECTOR OF FAITH FORMATION AND LAY SERVANT MINISTRIES

Growing up in rural Ohio, Carter credits both grandmothers for influencing her life. Both invested time in molding her into the woman of faith she is today. One grandmother, a preschool Sunday school teacher, taught her the love of singing praises to God at an early age. The other encouraged Carter to engage in church programs and activities. “Also, she showed me what it means to invest in neighbors and to recognize the giftedness in each of them,” she said.

As a 7th grader, Carter recognized her call while participating in youth ministry; later becoming the group leader. She also taught vacation Bible school to smaller children. This opportunity gave Carter time to share how God loves each of them. As a teacher, the adults partnered with Carter. She said, “They invested in me, I invested in other people,” she said.

As an adult, Carter wasn’t quite fulfilled in her first job as an elementary school teacher for a Catholic church. “As I grew in relationship with God, things needed to shift because I was responding to what he was doing within me, “Carter said.

Later she applied for a position at her church, Sylvania First UMC. As she began working in this part-time position, the church leadership began to create roles using her gifts.

As she considers those curious about identifying their call, she suggests completing a Spiritual Gifts Inventory questionnaire from Discipleship Ministries and praying to God to help understand the gifts.

She also recommends the Laity Discernment Retreat led by Kim LaRue, a time to study with others and discern your call. She says, “Every single one of us has a call. God did not just give us gifts to let them sit on a shelf somewhere. He poured into every single one of us, our individuality."

To take the Spiritual Gifts Inventory, click here.
For information on the Laity Discernment Retreat, click here.