It’s film time here at Cornerstone as we present a “short” about the life and work of REELTIME Kids ministry Director, Stephanie Diaz. Like most films concerning true stories, the Director has a passion for the people involved, the place where the action takes place, and of course the drama of the story unfolding before our eye. “Children’s ministry is the place where relationships start and hopefully last forever.” And like most passions, Stephanie’s is real, personal, and something she knows from experience.
“Growing up I had a unique situation at church with my friends. We formed relationships at a young age, not only with our friends but with our leaders as well. To this day I keep in touch with many of these people and do life with them. I want the children we love here are Cornerstone to have those same experiences too.”
This is a cooperative time, a consuming commitment and a constant work in progress that involves more than Stephanie, her staff and the countless giving and dedicated volunteers that “fuel” the ministry. Each person plays an important role to make REELTIME Kids fun, so they can instill a passion for the TRUTH in the heart of every kid. “It is my goal to partner with parents as we together help form their spiritual foundation…I get to be a part of changing little lives for Jesus in big ways. I love hearing the stories of how kids come to know Jesus.”
“I became a believer when I was 5 years old, at a church here in the Valley. My mom explained to me that my heart was like a chalk board; that Jesus loved me and has erased away my sins….” Stephanie attended Northern Arizona University and has a BS and Masters Degree in Education. “My husband Richard and I have two beautiful girls of our own, Addy (10) Alexis (8).” They have been married for 14 years and call Chandler their home. “We love going to the movies and just hanging out together. Our favorite kind of vacation is relaxing at our cabin in Pinetop.”
The whole idea is to see lives change as REELTIME Kids face weekly challenges to reach, equip, and empower kids while leaving a legacy of faith in this next generation. At STUDIO 14, kids are challenged every Sunday to trust God, make wise choices, and build lasting friendships.
“I have been attending CS for over eight years and have been a staff member for about five. We were not only looking for a church for us to grow spiritually, but also a place where we could call home and raise our children. I love being a part of a church that is not afraid to take risks, where we welcome anyone, and make it a non-threatening environment for them to hear how much Jesus loves them and how He changes lives.”
Atmosphere, great sets, suspense, music…STUDIO 14 has it all. Meeting first in a large group the kids hear…more like experience, a Bible story. Out come costumes, props, and characters from the story – anything to make the Bible come to life. Then, the stops are pulled out and the kids sing as loud as they want and tell God how much they love Him. After worship, kids travel back into small group where leaders help them understand how God’s Word fits into their lives, to learn how to talk to Him, and to build friendships that will last and matter when they need it most.
“I never planned on being in ministry, but as I look back I believe that God obviously had this planned for my life all along. I love my job and what I do here at CS for children.”