Friday, March 27, 2009

Meet Lisa Mc Cleese


Older homes still grace the tree-lined streets of the cozy town of Galion, Ohio where Lisa McCleese grew up. Even the city water tower on Brandt Road still reminds travelers that Galion is “Big town close, small town cozy.”

Rather than sticking close to her roots, Lisa took the advice of peers who told her, “If it is inconvenient or doesn’t fit your life style; walk away,” and that’s exactly what she did. By the time she was twenty-four years old she had collected a life’s worth of wounds and regrets. As a single parent with two young children, she became deeply unsatisfied with her worldly lifestyle and turned to Christ. He removed the shame and helped her work through the devastating consequences of a life that had been lived without God.

Lisa dove headfirst into the Christian life relishing every minute. Then, in 1999, God blessed her with Paul, a truly godly man. The next year her new husband encouraged her to pursue a staff position at her home church in Galion Ohio. What began as an administrative position that included leading the music for worship services, turned into a call to pastoral ministry. Lisa knows it is never too late to be used by God for great things!

Because of her past, Lisa understands many of the deceptions that can trap and devastate women. Now she shares a positive and uplifting message –– that spiritual healing and a fresh outlook await the even those who feel they are beyond redemption. Her passion is to help women discover their immense value to God and His incredible plan for their lives, regardless of what lies in their past. Lisa is a living example of how the theology of holiness is more than just an idea. It is a very real and powerful transforming force.

She graduated MVNU in 2005 with a BA in Religious Studies and was ordained as an Elder on the North Central Ohio District in July 2008 by Dr. Nina Gunter. Today Lisa is a very busy woman. For over eight years, she has filled many staff positions at Galion First Church of the Nazarene, where she currently serves as the Associate Pastor. Her many duties include leading worship, overseeing educational programming, administrative pastoral duties, pastoral care, and pulpit supply.

Lisa continues to live in her hometown of Galion with her husband Paul and six miniature dachshunds, which they affectionately refer to as their “surrogate children.” Lisa and Paul have two grown children, Brandon, an electrical engineer in Indianapolis, Ind., and Cassandra, a junior at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tenn.

Lisa is available for leading worship for special events, preaching revivals, and addressing women’s groups. As a speaker, she is passionate, radiates presence, authority and skill from the moment she stands up. Lisa will challenge you, minister to you, and exhort you to look at your life and Biblical teachings in new ways!

For more information, contact her at (419) 468-1262, ext. 31, or via e-mail to worship@galnaz.org.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Meet Rev. Cynthia Stiverson


Cynthia is an ordained elder and registered evangelist in the Church of the Nazarene. She speaks from the perspective of a heart that has been broken through life experiences and rebuilt through the grace of God. Her testimony is a tribute to God’s incredible power to bring emotional, relational, and spiritual healing despite all odds. She challenges her audiences to look closely at their walk with God, and inspires them to step out in faith.

She is an International speaker and writer. Cynthia is the author of “A Monthly Oasis for Women” a Bible study for small groups with subtitles on “The Woman of Virtue” and “Entertaining Angels.” Her speaking engagements have carried her from New York to Oregon and even South Africa.

Following Sept. 11, 2001, Cynthia followed the Lord’s call to help the hurting in NYC, where she spent seven months evangelizing and counseling victims of the WTC disaster.

With a warm, spontaneous humor, Cynthia communicates the hope of Christ with profound depth to inspire all listeners. Rev. Stiverson and her husband, Mark (the Golf Coach at MVNU) live in Apple Valley with their Maltese dog, Lilly. They have a daughter, Nicole (also a speaker and author),a son-in-law Matthew Bromley, and one grandson, Jude. Cynthia collaborates with her daughter, the founder of One VOICE Enterprises, a ministry focused on carrying their message of Christ to students, parents, churches, and conferences. www.onevoiceenterprises.com

Cynthia is a versatile and gifted speaker. She draws from her vast experience as a pastor, evangelist and church planter to craft messages for your unique needs. Check out her suggested topics and give her at 740-392-6275 or email her at: cstiverson@hotmail.com She will delight and inspire you.

Suggested Topics

Key Note

  • “Life Through a Rear-View Mirror” – A personal testimony of God’s Redeeming Love.
  • “How to Nourish Your Spirit” --Discover your destiny by discovering your true self, uncovering your false self, and recovering God’s original & unique plan for your life.
  • “Entertaining Angels” ­­-- Learning and applying the ancient practice of Spiritual Hospitality as a method of personal evangelism in your day-to-day life.

For Ladies Retreats:

  • “Crowns of Glory”--A movement through scriptures toward inner healing and spiritual preparation to enter the throne room of God.
  • “Becoming Women of Virtue” --Discover the beauty of fellowship with other women as you embrace the beauty of “you.”
  • “Creating Quiet Spaces” --Methods and practices that will enhance your quiet time and your ability to “hear” from God.

What People are Saying

“Cindy Stiverson is the most effective leader I have seen on campus. She speaks with insight into contemporary families…I am happy to highly recommend her.”

Dr. David L. Cubie, Professor Emeritus, Mount Vernon Nazarene University

“Cindy connected immediately with my people and spoke to needs. A number of individuals sought her out for mentoring and counseling. She has a clear love for people and concern for their well-being. She encouraged the ladies and challenged the men.”

G. Martin Gentzler, Sr. Pastor, Bangor First Church of the Nazarene, ME

“You have a powerful anointing! You are highly respected by both the ministers in the community and by those in our churches who have worked along side of you!!!”

Pastor Don Matolyak, Trinity Assembly of God

“Cindy speaks with power and grace. I appreciate her heart and leadership with women.”

Mikel Norris, Sr. Pastor, Mt. Vernon First Church of the Nazarene, OH

“Your message was anointed … Thank you so much, Cindy, for traveling across the world as God’s spokesperson.”

Morningside Church of the Nazarene, Durban , South Africa

“During your visit with us, you prayed over a couple who were struggling to conceive. They have just found out they are pregnant

and send their thanks to you for the prayers.”

Pastor Frank Pillay, Shallcross Church of the Nazarene, South Africa

“I don’t know how to thank you for writing the WoVeN workbook. This book is from the Lord!”

Rev. Daphne Mathebula, Africa Regional Coordinator for Lay Mobilization, Church of the Nazarene