The young woman was Stephanie Stanford. She spoke with the boldness of Christ, the authority that only God can give and her words were anointed by the Holy Spirit. It was clear to many of us at that event that Stephanie had the gift of teaching and speaking.
After many years of Bible teaching and leadership in women’s ministry, Stephanie felt the Lord nudging her to accept the call God placed on her life. She and her husband Phil gave this fervent prayer and consideration. In 2010, through the leading of the Holy Spirt, they launched Stanford Ministry. It is a ministry with the goal of equipping people through scriptural teaching.
Stephanie and Phil have been married for 20 years. They have two sons, David and Caleb, who are able to help out in the ministry. Stephanie also loves being a homemaker and ministering through hospitality.
Hope you enjoy the interview below with Stephanie.
Ann: How long have you taught Bible studies and when did you teach your first class?
Stephanie: I have taught classes at various times for many years. I taught my first class when I was a teenager.
A: How did you know that God called you to step out in faith and begin your own speaking/teaching ministry?
S: God kept providing opportunity and encouragement through friends and family. I felt an incredible passion for allowing the Lord to use me to assist in teaching believers.
A: When did you and Phil make the decision to begin Stanford Ministry?
S: Phil and I felt the Lord's direction last year when the ministry really began to come together.
A: Does your family support you in this new adventure?
S: Yes! Yes! Yes! They’re all amazingly supportive. The boys are helpful in critiquing and coming up with creative ideas for me to use at speaking events. David, the oldest, enjoys helping with research on some of the material. Phil is the spiritual covering for the ministry. It is truly a family ministry.
A: What advice would you give women who also feel the call from God to step out and teach, speak or write and share the gospel?
S: Go for it! As the Lord leads, He provides. He equips us for whatever task He calls us to. I remind myself; if He can use a donkey; He can use me! (see Numbers 22: 22-33)
A: Tell us about the Esther event.
S: I believe the Esther event is going to be a great blessing? The Lord has brought a great team of people together to lead worship, pray, decorate, and promote, etc. I think it’s going to be an anointed evening.
It is with great joy that Stanford Ministry announces the first ministry event in the Charlotte area. On Friday, March 18, 2011, at Harvest Community Church in Huntersville, I will be portraying the life of Esther, a woman who lived a life of purpose.
This evening will give you greater understanding of the Biblical character of Esther. We will look at this extraordinary woman in a way few have witnessed. She will tell her own story. A story of struggles, fears, love and finally, triumph. As we see through the eyes of this woman, we will also look to our own fears and struggles and the purpose for our presence in this day.
I hope the women and young ladies of your congregation will mark it on their calendars to attend this special evening. They will be blessed!
A: What motivated you to portray Esther in your one-woman drama on March 18th?
S: I guess the days in which we’re living seem very similar and the Lord prompted me to share it in a different fashion. I think portraying Esther in a drama has really appealed to a wide variety of people.
A: How do you think the portrayal of Esther applies to modern day women?
S: I can’t give it all away, but I think we would do well to have some of her characteristics – like courage and humility (modeled in her obedience).
A: How were you able to pull together your first local ministry event since the launch of Stanford Ministry?
S: With tons of help from a group of awesome people the Lord brought together.
A: Ladies, you are all invited to attend this event…Esther – Living a Life of Purpose Now! The event is FREE. Feel free to bring your husbands too! Men, if you are receiving this blog post, consider bringing your wife or lady friend to this event. It would be a great date night! Check out the sidebar on this blog to find out more about the event or go to Stanford Ministry’s website at www.StanfordMinistry.com. Thanks, Stephanie, for your time.
No comments:
Post a Comment