Amy Smith: "Prepared" Gave Me Something I Always Wanted

I've been going to an EFCA church since I married my husband 25 years ago. I always felt called to serve in the church. For years I talked about going back to school, and when I read about Prepared on the EFCA website, I thought: “This is exactly it.” 

[Before considering Prepared], I helped in kids ministry, then moved to the worship team, then eventually ended up overseeing the worship department. I was going to oversee it for six months, but that turned into six years, and then I was always in.

I was heavily involved in women's ministry and serving on the women's ministry board and teaching Bible studies. I ended up being a creative arts director, and then a small group director, connections director and many other things. 

Then God called me to take a sabbatical. At first, that was a big surprise for me because when you're wired to serve, it's hard to stop. I joined Prepared during that season, and it was such a gift. 

Prepared gave me something I'd always wanted––a group of mentors. The teachers put so much thought and study and prayer and time into what they teach us. I loved the communal aspect of being in a cohort with other ladies. We went through the program for two years together, meeting once a week, reading books, doing homework and writing papers. We made lesson plans, watched videos and listened to hours of podcasts. And we did it all together. 

I love walking alongside Christians and taking this relationship with Jesus deeper. My hope is that I can use what I've learned from Prepared to help others be strengthened in Jesus. If you're secure in Christ, you're unstoppable.