Student and alum explore leadership.

Senior Johnny Kauffman, along with 2008 grad Michael Fecher, was among 14 youth from across the Mennonite Church to participate in Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary's summer 2008 !Explore program, which provides high school juniors and seniors an experience designed to encourage the development of their gifts in leadership, expose them to the world of theological ideas, and foster in them a call to vocation in the church.

During his 18-day group experience, Kauffman explored theology focused on world religions in a small group setting that included other youth as well as professors from AMBS. Being among a group of leaders, he found within himself the importance of listening to others, learning when to lead and when to step back and let others lead. Following the group experience, Kauffman worked with his pastor at East Goshen Mennonite Church, including doing some teaching on what he learned in theological reflection.

Another significant time for Kauffman was during a retreat where he experienced the value of clearing his mind to relax in prayer. He also realized from this experience how much he likes people and enjoyed interacting on a deep level with people whom he would not normally be with. The group experience also provided opportunities for service in which Kauffman served at Soup for Success, Emerge Ministries, and Family Services. He and other group members also helped at Hively Avenue Mennonite Church's vacation Bible school.