While seminary students participate in the Master Guide training, the initiative has attracted students from public campuses and also professionals. L to R: Miriam Morgan-Skinner, Edgar Miranda, Cheryl Logan, Ron Whitehead, Sergio Gil, Miquel Martinez, and Rothschird Dangervil.
With a mission to provide accessible, high-quality training, the program has grown significantly, now serving hundreds of candidates annually in their journey towards gaining Master Guide investiture.
“At its core, our initiative is about equipping passionate individuals for effective ministry,” said Cheryl Logan, co-director for Master Guide Toolbox.
The Toolbox offers a blend of semi-annual weekend training events and a club for ongoing classes which correspond with academic coursework, accommodating busy students eager to make a difference in their communities.
Candidates compile a Master Guide portfolio, culminating in an exit review that marks their transition into a life dedicated to youth service. The investiture ceremony, characterized by prayer and blessing, signifies their commitment and readiness to impact lives positively as spiritual leaders.
Several students from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University have said that the initiative not only nurtures them personally but has also strengthened them to participate in youth ministry beyond the seminary.
One example is Miquel Martinez, a seminarian who participated in the Master Guide Toolbox, and he shared his motivations: “Becoming a Master Guide is one of my biggest successes in my ministry. It allows me to impact young people’s lives, guiding and mentoring them so they will continue their friendship with Jesus and ultimately become Master Guides themselves.”
Natasha Richards, a chaplain for public campus ministry and another student at the seminary, expressed her desire to understand the experiences of young adults. “Becoming a Master Guide allows me to connect with students through their interests and experiences, helping them in their spiritual journeys,” she explained. Her four-year experience at Andrews University has enriched her commitment to serving others. “I have always found joy in learning from and teaching young adults, embracing their creativity and seeing the world through their eyes. The conversations that arise when I connect with them on their level are truly remarkable.”
Another seminarian Edgar Miranda emphasized that being a Master Guide is about responsibility and mentorship. “The training and preparation for becoming a Master Guide was incredible and eye-opening at times with many aspects being very practical, hands-on and very beneficial as well as valuable,” ” he asserted, reinforcing the program's commitment to developing leaders. “I believe I can use my spiritual and hands-on training to many with life experiences as a mentor not only for young people, but also to fellow servants of the Lord.”
While seminary students participate in the Master Guide training, the initiative has attracted students from public campuses and also professionals.
Dorcas Kilembe, a college freshman at Lake Michigan College, noted the training's importance: “Master Guide training helps members understand their role in the Church's mission, equipping them to nurture faith and mentor the next generation of leaders.”
Miriam Morgan-Skinner, a Doctor of Nursing Practice, reflected on her own transformative journey through the program and the profound impact on her daughters' involvement in the Pathfinder Club. Her daughters observed her unwavering commitment to complete the portfolio requirements despite long days at work, and one of them expressed her desire to become a Master Guide. “Leading by example can help to change the future of our youths,” she noted.
The Ruedinger-Quispe family shared their experience integrating the Master Guide program into their family life while raising young children. Nate remarked, “For me, it is a way to give to others something I never had the opportunity to do as the church.” He and his wife, Yerling, are pleased they can now pass on the blessing to their children and others in the club ministries they lead. “Leadership by example is the most effective form of leadership, and it has been an incredibly positive experience for our children. The Master Guide program has not only equipped us for ministry outside the home but has also prepared us to better minister to our own children.”
For more information, visit cye.org.
L to R: Alfred Dilembe, his daughter Dorcas; Briana and Olivia with mom Miriam Skinner; Ron Whitehead; Chantal J Emile, and Cheryl Logan
Yerling and Nate Ruedinger-Quispe
L to R: Dorcas Kilembe, Miriam Morgan-Skinner, Olivia Skinner, Briauna Skiner, Chantal J.. Emile
L to R: Sergio Gil, Michigan Conference Master Guide Coordinator, Dorcas Kilembe, Miriam Morgan-Skinner, Cheryl Logan, Chantal J. Emile
L to R: Miriam Morgan-Skinner, Edgar Miranda, Cheryl Logan, Ron Whitehead, Sergio Gil, Miquel Martinez, Rothschird Dangervil
