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Pastor of the Week: Kiersten Telzerow

By: Dezaray Barr

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Kiersten Telzerow

Kiersten Telzerow graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) in 2014 with a degree in Christian Ministries and a minor in Leadership. She is now the Small Group Director at Barracks Row AM Campus for the National Community Church in Washington, DC.

She said that IWU played a huge role in who she is today. “IWU was the place where I grew the most in my faith and a greater understanding of my calling to full-time ministry. I couldn’t even begin to list the professors who made an impact on my life, but just a few of them would be Rev. Vardaman, Dr. Bill Millard, Dr. Dan Poff and Dr. Keith Drury. Every professor I had helped form my character and cultivate my calling, and I am so grateful for that experience,” she said.

When she was just 14, the Lord painted a clear picture for what her life would be, and Telzerow couldn’t imagine doing anything else but ministry! She added, “I had a really healthy image of what it looks like to be lifelong in ministry full-time, as my dad is a pastor as well.”

In her ministry in D.C., Telzerow gets to serve on a great team of those working in small group ministry, where they provide pastoral care, raise up leaders, foster growth and discipleship in the congregation, as they see lives change right before their very eyes. “It is one of the best jobs, because I can focus on tasks and administration all the while growing deep and wide relationships,” she shared.

Although she loves her job and ministry, it’s not always easy or perfect. She explained, “God sometimes calls you to step outside the boat in a way that you may have never pictured. I went from suburban life, to rural life, to urban ministry, in what feels like overnight. It is only by God’s grace and favor that I am where I am and that he has continued to equip me to be right where I need to be. Sometimes the greatest hindrance in our life can be when we have this set picture of what our life is supposed to look like and where we will be when. We try to out plan God, and we can’t. Our job is just to be obedient – to wherever and whenever He calls – in whatever way it looks.”

 

 

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Written by Dezaray Barr, PR Specialist for the Alumni Office. Dezaray is a senior Strategic Communication, Journalism and Honors Humanities triple major at Indiana Wesleyan University in the John Wesley Honors College. Visit Dez’s website at www.dezaraybarr.weebly.com.

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White’s Residential & Family Services: Steve Hill

By: Dezaray Barr

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Steve Hill graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) in 2000 with a degree in Christian Ministries. “I felt God calling me to IWU to not only pursue a ministry serving others, but to grow spiritually and strengthen my relationship with Him,” Hill said.

Hill’s expereince at IWU was not a traditional one. He was a college ‘freshman’ at 33 years old. “I had spent 15 years in the work force prior to arriving at the university,” Hill said. “I enjoyed my time at IWU and everyone on campus. IWU was and is a friendly atmosphere, where I developed many friendships during my four years there… IWU was a big turning point in my life. The academic challenges and relationships that formed was a significant learning/spiritual experience for me. I truly thank my professors, friends and IWU staff for being a part of the process.”

Hill is now a Foster Care Social Worker at White’s Residential and Family Services in Wabash, Indiana. He said that his time at IWU has taught him to listen, be patient, ask questions, work hard and wait for God – all of which are incredibly important in his work at White’s. He also explained, “Working for a Christian agency has given me the opportunity to show/communicate God’s love to others. The focus at White’s is Christ centered, so implementing a work environment in this area has been beneficial for agency employees, as well as other individuals connected to it.”

If Hill could speak to IWU students he’d say, “Focus on relationships, not success, possessions or money. Love, give and care for others. Do that and everything else will fall into place.”

 

 

 

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Written by Dezaray Barr, PR Specialist for the Alumni Office. Dezaray is a senior Strategic Communication, Journalism and Honors Humanities triple major at Indiana Wesleyan University in the John Wesley Honors College. Visit Dez’s website at www.dezaraybarr.weebly.com.