SAMI
In my time serving with Berkley Hills Church, I grew immensely in my confidence, knowledge, faith and so much more. I was empowered to lead, teach, disciple, and step into a full time ministry role at WMYFC. If it were not for this program and the Berkley staff and family, I would not be stepping into this role at YFC. It was during my time in the MDP that I was encourage and supported to step into my call to vocational ministry! I feel equipped and supported by Berkley and I am beyond thankful for the MDP and Berkley family for believing in me and in what the Lord has called me to. I will be forever grateful for the things I have be taught and shown in this program.
SHELBY
Shelby graduated from Cornerstone University in 2021, held the position of Youth Ministry Intern as a junior, and returned her senior year as a Youth Ministry Apprentice.
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Shelby says this about Berkley’s MDP: “Berkley's MDP genuinely changed my life. In this program, I felt my call into ministry as well as was surrounded by people who were helping me achieve the height of that calling. Every person that I was surrounded by was fighting for me to be obedient to the call of God that I have on my life while giving me the space to explore, succeed, fail, and learn all along the way. I'm fairly certain that anyone that joins this program will see good fruit come from it, joined by refinement, encouragement, and the faithfulness of God be shown through and through. I can't say enough good things about this program! “
LUKE
Luke will graduate from Cornerstone University in 2023.
As a Tech Ministry Intern he said this, “Berkley Hills gave me so many incredible opportunities to grow in both my knowledge and skills in the tech world and as a man and follower of Christ. All of the staff members were intentional about welcoming, encouraging, and pouring into the lives of me and the rest of the interns and residents this past year. I have been so blessed by this experience and am so incredibly grateful to Berkley Hills for providing it for me.”
Stephanie
Stephanie graduated from Cornerstone in 2012 with a bachelor's degree in Communications. She was a worship intern, then hired as assistant worship leader, and soon was hired as worship leader.
Stephanie says, “I cannot recommend the Ministry Development Program at Berkley enough! I grew leaps and bounds - both in my personal life and walk with Christ and in all aspects of worship leading. Being able to work so closely with Pastor Kyle and other ministry leaders was very beneficial. Because they got to know me personally they were better able to encourage me and push me to be better. The MDP at Berkley is an exceptional, safe, and practical learning environment where it's ok to make mistakes because they will help you learn from them. I will be forever grateful and blessed for the time I had at Berkley and for the countless ways I was invested in and grown.”
Jonah
Jonah graduated from Spring Arbor University in 2020.
He says this about his pastoral residency at Berkley, “While I was a resident at Berkley, I gained valuable experiences, got to be poured into by a staff of authentic lovers of Jesus, was given opportunities to lead, was given a safe environment to step out and take healthy risks, etc... While the experiences have changed the way I lead today for the better, nothing has shaped me quite like the opportunity to be influenced by a pastoral staff that lives out the Gospel through their everyday lives and through their leadership. I am forever changed for the better as a man and a leader from my time at Berkley Hills.”
JILLIAN
Jillian graduated from Northview High School in 2022. In her senior year, she was a High School Youth Worship Intern.
Jillian says, “My experience with the Berkley ministry development program was nothing but positive and insightful. During my time, I not only learned tangible ways to lead worship and work in ministry, I was led by people who pursued Jesus and allowed their relationship with Him to lead their ministry. I was encouraged and given multiple opportunities to lead despite being the youngest in the program. This program has given me an opportunity to lead that felt out of reach for a long time due to my age. Berkley truly believes in equipping young people.”
JESSICA
I am so thankful for the ministry development program (MDP) at Berkley. I was working full-time managing the finances for a company when God called me to ministry. At 30 years old, I had no idea what that meant, or would look like. But the MDP welcomed me, and gave me clarity on the call I received from God. During my time I was able to learn what gifts God has given me, and how to utilize those gifts to best serve His kingdom. This led me to discern what area of ministry God was calling me to. The MDP also helped me prepare for what it would look like to have a ministry of my own. I learned the importance of multiplication, time management, setting boundaries, having fun, and many other key ministry values. Berkley staff offered guidance and mentorship the entire time, which I am extremely grateful for. Because of the MDP, I feel ready to go into ministry.