Ursula Hess is actively involved in ministry in her community, serving as a lay/volunteer chaplain and volunteer grief group facilitator. She is also a lay leader in her congregation — Waterford Mennonite Church in Goshen, which is part of Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference of Mennonite Church USA. She is involved in a prayer ministry for Two-Way Mission, assists with Senior Adult Ministries, leads worship and is part of a Peace and Justice group. Professionally, she works as a registered nurse in hospice care.

“The Journey program has enriched my life and increased my faith in God,” Ursula reflected. “I have gained a new rich understanding of the Bible and how to interpret it. I learned to see God as who God is according to my new understanding of Bible texts. I experienced a spiritual transformation and growth in my walk with God.”

“My heart was deeply touched by our studies on pastoral care,” she added. “They prepared the way for me for my current involvements.”

Journey, a distance-friendly undergraduate-level certificate program develops leaders centered in Jesus Christ for ministries in local churches and communities. It’s designed for pastors, those exploring a call to ministry, church planters and lay leaders. The program consists of online study, biweekly meetings with a mentor, and face-to-face gatherings twice a year. Ursula’s mentor in the Journey program was Mary Hochstedler, also of Waterford Mennonite Church.