By MORGAN MIZELL

NATCHEZ — Stepping out on faith is not always easy, but recent Muskogee, Okla., transplant Cortney Welch says she has decided to follow God’s lead and devote her life to ministry.

She and her husband, Jamie, are both youth pastors with their church, ChristLife.

“This is something our hearts are fully dedicated to,” Welch said. “I have felt called to the ministry since I was a teenager, but I ran from it for many, many years.”

Welch, recently decided to begin a women’s Facebook ministry page, though the name of the page has not been released yet.

“This will be a page for women and by women,” Welch said. “This page will be a place where women, across the country, can lean on one another; pray for one another and draw closer to God.”

Welch said the idea came to her several months ago but she has been reluctant to act.

“I have an amazing support group,” Welch said. “I am very much surrounded by people who are constantly inspiring me to step into my purpose and my calling.”

While she is not actively pursuing any formal roles in ministry at this time, other than serving as a youth pastor, Welch said she believes she is constantly ministering.

“I believe one of the most important aspects of ministry is reaching out to others,” Welch said. “The opportunities and possibilities become endless.”

Welch said she hopes to have the page up and running in less than two months.

“I will invite women to like the page,” Welch said. “Then, they will be able to invite their friends.”

The page will feature daily devotionals, studies and challenges.

“I will also be able to be contacted via the page,” Welch said. “So, if someone needs to reach me personally, that option will be available.”

Welch said she feels tremendously blessed by God in her life.

“God gave me a heart for lost souls,” Welch said. “I also want to help the ones that are seeking a stronger, more intimate relationship with Him. I want to teach our children to know this is our job,” Welch said. “We are to do God’s work and help others.”