Frequently Asked Questions

How did Stonegate Sabbatical Ministries Begin?
It began as a stirring in Jim and Karen Michael’s heart in 1999 after they had completed reading Jim Cymbala’s: Fresh Wind Fresh Fire a book on prayer and the power it produces in the church. God then continued to place in the path of the Michael’s clergy to whom they suggested this life changing book. In September 2000 they traveled to Brooklyn, New York to experience first hand Fresh Wind Fresh Fire at the Brooklyn Tabernacle, Cymbala’s church, and left never being the same again as far as intercession and a passion for pastors to ignite the power of prayer again in His church.

What is Stonegate Sabbatical Ministries?
A multi-faceted outreach to the body of Christ serving both clergy and congregation. Stonegate serves the clergy through a five day sabbatical which encourages a time to: “be still and know that I am God.” for His servants. The congregation is served by a series of life changing seminars on cutting edge topics from: anger-management, grief, marriage, communication, romance, spiritual warfare, and “The Churches Secret Weapon.” (prayer.)

What does Stonegate Sabbatical Ministries do to fulfill the mandate God has placed on it?
Ministers to clergy one on one as well as couples with prayer, care, share. Prays weekly with groups of clergy, both men and women to encourage and empower them through the power of the Holy Spirit. Three Sunday’s of each month Jim and Karen are dedicated to attending a different church to assess the temperature and commitment to prayer and to make key contacts for coming along side fledgling corporate prayer meetings for a ministry of encouragement and empowerment. Jim and Karen then attend these times of intercession to show their commitment to making His House truly a “House of Prayer for all Nations!”

Why are Jim and Karen so passionate about prayer?
They believe we are in the last days and without intentional, travailing, fervent, believing prayer in the body of Christ we will not be able to withstand all that is to come against us as His Bride. Furthermore they believe their God given call is to prepare the way of the Lord for His imminent return. They accomplish this by spreading the Word that God has burned into their hearts to bring His Bride back to the foundational cornerstone of His House: PRAYER!