I apologize it’s taken almost a week to post an update about my call with Anastasia from MFM last week. I can’t tell you how much it’s blessed my heart to feel like things have come unstuck where MorningStar is concerned!  I also appreciate the fact that we were able to have some candid, open dialog. My feedback was more than graciously received.

Anyhow, here’s a few notes from my call in no particular order. I was on with her for about 45 min and a series of emails prefaced our call.  It was actually an email I was sent by accident that kicked the whole thing off 🙂

Since my purpose in joining MFM was to pursue ordination (since that’s what Father instructed me to do), the lack of clear process towards that end has been frustrating. I did express to her that I feel a little like I was admitted to college and am paying tuition, but there’s no set course structure – I just feel my way and I’m just hoping one day someone tells me I’m graduating.  She understood and shared with me all she knows about the process (which by the way, I offered to help document the process if that would be helpful… I’m not one to complain without helping being part of the solution! That was noted and very appreciated.)

Basically at the end of the day Tom Hardiman (the pastor over MFM) makes the decision on who gets ordained through MorningStar.  He makes recommendations to Rick Joyner, who trusts his input completely in this area.  He’s looking for fruit of the ministry and character of the individual.  Both of which I feel I have, the issue is finding ways for HIM to see that without spending a fortune (that I don’t have) going to MorningStar events.

In the last couple years, MorningStar has had a significant decrease in financial support both due to the economic status of the nation and because of people who are diametrically opposed to seeing Todd Bentley restored (which Rick Joyner has taken on).  As a result, staff has been let go as well as not replaced when some have left – all of which has put everyone in a rather stretched position as they try to continue the work on their plates.  This is largely responsible for some of the frustrating lack of connection I’ve felt with MFM.

This past year Tom ordained MFM Elders to assist with MFM responsibilities that used to be taken care of by staff.  This group of elders are each assigned members in their regions. I am assigned to Red & Tricia Wilson (Aggressive Ministries) – who happen to be Anastasia’s Dad and Stepmom 🙂

She suggested I contact Tricia and build some connection there as well as continuing the small connection I’ve already started with Tracy Schellhorn (another MFM Elder – Manifest Ministries), who leads the monthly MFM intercession conference calls.  Though the elders don’t decide who gets ordained, their input is weighty with Tom so cultivating relationships with two should be helpful in MorningStar becoming familiar with who I am and what I do.

I contacted both Tracy (whom I have a small acquaintance with from the calls) and Tricia last night – I heard back from Tracy almost immediately saying she’d be thrilled to get to connect more 🙂

I actually had shared with Anastasia that Tracy had approached me about being willing to facilitate an intercession call if she was unable to attend and Anastasia was very pleased because clearly that indicates a level of respect and trust that are encouraging!

Anastasia also suggested a couple other regular members I could try to connect with, but I haven’t done so yet – I don’t want to contact everyone at once and then not have time to connect with them – LOL 🙂

It would be very good if I could meet Tom face-to-face prior to the ordination decision. Her suggestion for that was a prophetic roundtable meeting in Witchita, KS early next year.  She said if I could finance transportation, she would work on getting MorningStar to cover my hotel and waive entry fees, which I thought was incredibly generous!  She made the same offer for the retreat next year (in June), which is when the next ordination happens – so assuming I can get everything lined up this year that’s when I’d be getting ordained.

I also found out the costs associated with maintaining ordination are very modest. It only adds $10 a month to the fees I am already paying to be a member of MFM.

She thanked me very much for my candor in feedback coupled with a gracious, roll-up-my-sleeves-and-pitch-in attitude about fixing said issues.  She said by the time most folks get to her they’re telling her off and leaving :/  I shared that what I sensed in my spirit about that was their motivation in being there in the first place was wrong – that they were there to GET something without thought of what they could give.  MorningStar may be bigger than I or my ministry are, but Father connected us because there’s things we both need from each other.  She wholeheartedly agreed.

Finally, I talked with her about my change in churches and the fact that has left me with some doctrinal differences from MorningStar. I wanted to be forthright about where I stood, not sneak in under the radar.  Like me, they have a heart and passion for unity in the body and had no issue with our differences whatsoever, which I was greatly relieved by!

Anyhow, I think that pretty much covers the basics!  I feel led to send a silk to Anastasia as a thank you and one of you has already graciously footed the bill for that (Thank you!) – I am very grateful for all her assistance!  I gifted Tracy one over a year ago and am prayerfully considering one for Tricia… the best way to “get” Dyed4you is to get a silk 😉

I have spoken with those I felt led to ask to be a reference for me for my ordination and have begun filling out my application.  This will not be a short process as they don’t give official notification until a month before the retreat (May), but Anastasia said they’ll likely have a good idea if I’ll get it this year by February-ish.

Prayers for:

• favor in this process
• wisdom in completing application
• wisdom for those completing the references
• prayer over connecting with Tricia and Tracy
• financial needs for MorningStar
• favor with Tom Hardiman and Father to provide an opportunity to meet him

Thank you all!  Love and appreciate you MUCH 🙂