Stories
Check out what these graduates have to say about their experiences in ELN schools of ministry.
“Being in an ELN program was one of the best things that has ever happened in my life. I was surrounded by amazing leaders who poured into me and shared insights to help me grow–not only spiritually, but in every area of my life. I now have a solid foundation, a lot of knowledge, amazing new friends, and many wonderful experiences, both in the church and all over the world. God stripped away many layers, so I could be as fruitful as he intended me to be.”
Josh Hawthorne + Founder of Repossess + ELN Graduate
“I attended an ELN program last year and so far it has been the best and most gratifying year of my life. I learned that there a truth that reveals the lies of this world and gives us victory through the power of the cross. For the first time in my life I learned how to be so close to God’s heart–and how I can keep it that way.”
Daniela Garibo Ortega + ELN Graduate
“The power of ELN comes when you leave behind everything you are used to, and give a year of your life to serving God through the local church. I am a huge advocate for the ELN, knowing how effective it can be in the formation of your spiritual life, your personal life, and your leadership qualities. ELN is a phenomenal, not just for people who want to be in ministry, but for those who want to succeed wherever they’ll go next.”
PJ Moon + Youth Pastor + ELN Graduate
“Now that I am out of my ELN program, I am constantly seeing fruit from what I learned. Whether it’s from scripture I memorized, books I read, or classes I took, I am now using it all in real life. I could not be the wife, mom, student, daughter, etc. that I am today without the foundation I gained through this program.”
Laura Collazo + Wife, Mom & Missionary + ELN Graduate
“When you go into an ELN school of ministry, you are making the choice to follow hard after Jesus. And when you arrive along side others in your program who have made the same choice, it is the most encouraging, exciting, challenging and rewarding experience. It will test you, grow you, and make you radical for the King of Kings.”
Jessica Jones + Worship Leader + ELN Graduate
“My time in an ELN school of ministry was one of great change and growth. I entered into the program with a lot of knowledge, but even though I had a good foundation in the Bible, I had never learned how to turn that knowledge into something I could use in my daily life. I learned to have confidence with the people I was around so that I could speak God’s words into their lives. That has prepared me to do ministry in the world as well as in the church.”
Keith Marshall + Financial Planner + ELN Graduate
“Giving that year of my life for God to equip me in leadership was challenging beyond anything I could imagine. But to this day I still see the fruit of that decision in my life. It’s beyond anything I could ever have asked for. Today I serve as a Foursquare missionary in Norway using what I learned to be more effective in ministry.”
Tylene Johnson + Missionary + ELN Graduate
“While my five years of participation with an ELN program certainly allowed for God to do His will THROUGH me, it was also God’s way of accomplishing His purposes IN me. These experiences were so much more than simply a way to tell others about my Savior; they ignited a hunger in my heart to KNOW my Savior deeply, to understand His Word clearly, and to become the person He intended me to be. My time in an ELN program not only served to make me a more effective ambassador for the Gospel, but helped me discover just how rewarding following Christ truly is!”
Danyal Schultze + ELN Graduate
“The ELN program made a significant and lasting impact on my life. I found myself almost immediately part of a tight-knit community of people, around my own age, who were focused on spiritual growth and a commitment to building healthy relationships. I had the privilege (and at times the challenge!) of sharing my life with students and dedicated leaders whose ultimate goal was to help each of us reach our potential in Christ.”
Johnathan Day + ELN Graduate
“Being a part of ELN was the BEST thing that has happened to me as a Christian. I learned a lot about relationships with my fellow Christian brothers and sisters, and also with leaders, pastors and people in the working world.”
Melissa Natividad + Hairstylist + ELN Graduate
“My experience in an ELN program really helped shape and mold me and gave me a foundation to base the rest of my life on. It gave me the time I needed to figure out who I am and work out some deep personal things. This has really given me a confidence that wasn’t there before.”
Lisa Rodgers + ELN Graduate
