My name is Dana Means. Since I want to grow in the knowledge and things of God, I am studying at the Christian Leaders Institute (Learn more about online free Bible courses, Click Here).
My Life
I am a 51-year-old wife of 27 years and a mother of two incredible young men. A southern Californian native, I currently live in Redondo Beach, CA, in the United States. I went to Fresno State University on a full basketball scholarship. Fresno State is where I met my husband, who was playing football. I earned my BA in Social Science and later went on to get a Master’s degree in education.
I always knew I wanted to teach, having been influenced by educators in my family. But, I intended to teach high school and then coach. However, my intention had nothing to do with reality. I got a job at a middle school working with my dad. I showed up to help him set his classroom up and left with a job offer to teach middle school language arts at 23 years old. Many years of teaching led me to my current position as a middle school principal. I will expound on this more later, as where I am currently working has so much to do with my development as a woman of God.
My Spiritual Journey
My spiritual journey is atypical. When I think of “typical,” I think of being raised in the church by praying parents with a knowledge of Jesus being Lord and Savior. But, then, some crossroads led to being on fire for the Lord.
My atypical journey goes like this: I grew up Catholic and had a childlike love for God. That later became frustration with the religiousness of attending church. There was a disconnect that I could no longer stand once entering high school. One day, a friend invited me to his church. Excitement ensued! I had never opened a Bible before. Suddenly, I was taught from the Bible. Then the pastor stepped down after confessing his sexual sin. Therefore, being new to this, I felt disheartened, let down, confused, and decided to walk away from anything “spiritual.”
Getting Saved and Figuring It Out
At 19, I began to search for what was missing. This led to attending mosques, hanging out with Rastafarians, and becoming submerged with political and community-based organizing. Praise the Lord! While at Fresno State, a sweet older man came to my apartment to fix my stove. He invited me to his church. I went, was baptized, and accepted Christ into my life. However, I did not have an immediate realization that I needed to change my lifestyle even though I knew I needed to know Jesus.
Then, I married and had my children. My husband and I raised our children in church while not really being “sold-out” for the things of God. I had not felt desperate yet to grow in the knowledge of God. Long story short. I had a come to Jesus moment that shook me. Jesus showed me myself. He showed me my pride, my selfishness, and my need for Him – all of Him! I went on to become a licensed minister.
My Teaching Journey Continued
Now I am returning to my work as a teacher, which led to me becoming a principal. I had been teaching for six years at a school I loved. I planned on being one of those teachers that remains at the same school forever and retires from it. Since I had my plan, I was surprised when God ordered my steps differently. God led me to leave teaching to open my own school. This led to me going to the school of ministry. I thought this school was going to be a private Christian school, so I was ready to charge forward with the Lord as my lead.
Again, I got involved with the plans. Praise God that His will is definitive, and I, although through many missteps, desired to live according to His will for my life. After not working for two years, I accepted a part-time position at my current school back in 2005. I was waiting on the Lord so I could open my school. Little did I know my mission field would be the middle school where I have been for the last 17 years. I was given the keys to the school in 2012 and have been the principal since then.
Grow in the Knowledge of God at CLI
I absolutely NEED Jesus every day to do what I do. I could go on and on about what God is currently doing in my life. But, I know there is more, and I want more of Him. I am amazed at how God uses me, how He is so loving, and how He challenges me. Excited to grow in the knowledge and things of God at 51 years old, I feel so young in spirit. My desire led me to the Christian Leaders Institute. I want to be a better student of God’s Holy Word, the Bible. I need guidance and a community to hold me accountable.
My ministry is children in the public school system. What better way to reach the broken and confused? I desire to minister to children and use the platform I have within the school system to reach families. But I know there is more. My dream is to have a private school free to low-income families (private/public school). I know the Lord will make the way. I am preparing, and I wait on the Lord as He renews my strength.
Steps to Sign Up At Christian Leaders Institute
Step 1 – Register for a free study account that automatically enrolls you in the Christian Leaders Getting Started Course Part 1 &2.
After you register, you will automatically be enrolled in the “getting started” course. You will locate the course at your “home” button when logged in. Scroll down to find the Christian Leaders Getting Started Course Part 1 &2 Link. Click the link and open the course.
Step 2 – Complete Part 1 of this course, and then you are allowed to enroll in mini-courses or regular courses.
The Christian Leaders Getting Started Class Part 1 shows you how to enroll in courses and mini-courses. Part 2 of the course connects your calling into ministry with programs offered through Christian Leaders Institute. Part 2 will offer some ministry training and introduce you to the other programs offered through Christian Leaders Institute.
Learn more about ordination at the Christian Leaders Alliance. Interested in a low-cost college degree? Check out the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.
