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calluna

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How do I do it? Is there a school I would need to goto? Im studying the Bible, Im only 18, so my question is not how to get into a pastoral position right away, but how to take steps to becoming it.
'An overseer must be above reproach, the husband of just one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, sober, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.' 1 Ti 3:2-7

Every able-bodied, literate, mature, male Christian can and perhaps should become a pastor, sooner or later. The personal qualities required are what all Christian men should produce. The one exception is the ability to teach. In a well run church, one should learn the more obvious meanings of the whole Bible over a period of years, and then be in a position to begin teaching, though of course one never stops learning. One can accelerate the process by attendance at a place of learning, though one is very likely to be educated with the devil's ideas at the same time, and perhaps without realising it.

People who want to become teachers and preachers should examine their motives very carefully indeed. It is much better to be asked to teach or preach than to offer oneself. Very many people who become pastors want to 'lord it' over others, and there are very, very few who do not fall for that reason, even though they know the danger. This is largely because most 'churches' follow the devil in this respect, having only one pastor, whose vanity is fed by his unique position. The healthy NT practice is to have many overseers, and as many as possible, imv.

If one does the job properly, there is nothing more humbling than preaching. That's the best thing about it. If one does the job badly, it is likely to be a slippery slope to personal perdition- though many pastors are lost before they even start, as they are 'wolves in sheeps' clothing'.
 
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drich0150

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It really depends of your version of christianity. Some have seminaries, others require a 4 year degree from a certain type of christian school, and others still only require a want or a "gift" to lead Sunday service.. I'd ask your pastor what he did and ask him for resources.. Also ask about the ups and about the downs of the job. I'm sure he'd be willing to share.
 
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calluna

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'As you learn your new profession and become skilled in its procedures and ceremonies you will gain an inner strength and outward power that will make you the envy of many. You will gain a personal power with others and a commanding personality which means success in today’s world.'

Now you know how to get on, folks.
 
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Autumnleaf

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If a man follows Christ does he really need a school to tell him he's qualified to spread the good news?
 
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calluna

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If a man follows Christ does he really need a school to tell him he's qualified to spread the good news?
Certainly not, otherwise there would be no Christianity. The world and the worldly have their own schemes, which exclude Christ and the Holy Spirit, and training is usually necessary for their false ministers.
 
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drstevej

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I believe it is both a calling and a preparation. A pastor needs to have a solid grasp of the Bible and be able to communicate effectively to people at varying places spiritually. Such preparation can be gained in a formal setting or an informal one. Some churches expect formal training, while others do not.

At 18 I would encourage you to get involved in ministry at your church and discover your gifts. Seek advice from the spiritually mature in the congregation. I believe the Lord will direct the process.

Being a pastor can be very demanding on a wife and family. My wife had a desire to marry a pastor and be in the ministry so she understands and accepts the demands we have faced over the past 35 years.

If you have other questions you can PM me.

Chaplain Steve
 
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mont974x4

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Chaplain Steve gave some great advice.

You need to talk to your pastor and get involved in ministry in some way. This will be a time when you learn your gifts, your calling is verified, your expand your skills, and you learn how your denomination goes about the ordination process and it's specific requirements.
 
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drstevej

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Why is it a calling?

A calling is the discernment of God's will and plan for your life. It should be consistent with his enablement (spiritual gifts).

I do not believe that this calling is different than other vocations (ie callings). It is an aspect of one's spiritual life and walk with God.
 
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Autumnleaf

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uhmmm..."Who are less than you".....?


WHAT?

Michael Jordan versus Rick Moranus. Who would I choose to throw a free throw? Who should you? What if they both got a college degree in throwing free throws who would you pick?

Who would God pick?


 
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spencerian

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Michael Jordan versus Rick Moranus. Who would I choose to throw a free throw? Who should you? What if they both got a college degree in throwing free throws who would you pick?

Who would God pick?



The obedient one of course!
It's not the best looking, best speaking, most popular that God chooses.
It's the most obedient.

And now we are talking about "Who would God pick".
So the best, most effective ministry is... IS picked by God.
 
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rob64

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Michael Jordan versus Rick Moranus. Who would I choose to throw a free throw? Who should you? What if they both got a college degree in throwing free throws who would you pick?

Who would God pick?

i'm glad you brought it up!

According to HIS own words, He chooses the FOOLISH of this world to confound the wise. (the ones who are wise in their own eyes)

Man/the world does the opposite.

And, the NT gives very detailed instruction on who should be a pastor/teacher. As calluna has already pointed out.
There are all kinds of "pastors" today who don't meet the criteria set out in the Bible.
Which could explain part of the reason the church is so spiritually dead.

Oh, and by the way...why did you omit Larry Bird? lol
 
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spencerian

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i'm glad you brought it up!

According to HIS own words, He chooses the FOOLISH of this world to confound the wise. (the ones who are wise in their own eyes)

Amen.
Amen!


A man who considers himself wise has to overcome logic to become obedient. I used to think I had a clue as to what being a Christian meant. I have never known God the way I do today. The reason for that was because I let God have control of my thoughts, actions, and words.
Now I see the spirit of man, rather than man.
 
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rob64

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uhhmmm...that's possibly the best post i've read in a while, spencerian.
Hey, how'd ya come up with spencerian? it's definately origional! I like!

I'm glad this is being discussed in "full time ministry". Some body just might be confounded! lol
 
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