The Future Leaders Program is nearing the end for the Class of 2009. As we finish out our year we will be doing a series of blog posts looking back at our experiences throughout the program. Today we’re talking with Katelyn Steaffens.

What was the best experience you had during the year?

Working with Frontline Arlington I really had a chance to get to know all sides and aspects of the ministry the local church engages in. The good, the bad, and the ugly was all very real to me as I learned rather quickly that in order to be successful in this work you need to be a jack of all trades. Recruiting, training, and coaching small group leaders was my main focus and any time I got to see God change lives through the avenue of small groups all the hours of tedious work seemed well worth it.

What are some things you’ve learned?

Ministry is more about the people you train then what you personally accomplish. If you go in with that mindset you are much more prone to be about developing teams and leaders then becoming great yourself. In the process God will teach you much and undoubtedly you will grow but the focus needs to be on passing on wisdom and sharing the burden of leadership.

What are some things you’re looking forward to doing after FLP?

GETTING MARRIED!!!! I’m stoked to be marrying my best friend Josh and subsequently moving to Japan the week after our honeymoon. I look forward to learning how to become a Marine wife and explore the island of Okinawa. My goals are to learn basic Japanese, grow in my love for sushi , continue my journey of leadership by ministering to other military wives and fall in love with all God is doing in Japan.

How did you grow this year?

I realized just how much I don’t know. Just how much I’m not naturally talented and just how far I need to grow. But despite all my shortcomings, and what a crazy idea it is….God still chooses to include me in the work He’s doing. Whether in Arlington, Virginia or soon in Okinawa Japan, it was a year of more fully understanding how God chooses to use His people to accomplish His mission.