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hasnoname

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I have always wanted to be a doctor. Since I was young. Now I am at a time in my life where, like most my age, am completely lost...college. Here is a brief summary of what has brought me to this point...

I have been following Christ for 4 and half years now. While my relationship with God has always been growing, I was in a bad relationship with a girl for 2 years (I would say about a year of it shouldnt have happened). She ended up leaving me for my ex-youth pastor last May. That really kick-started my relationship. I have always been the ministry type, just because there is so much passion there in my life. But I started college in August already doubting my 'career' path of being a doctor. I would justify it by saying I would do missions as a MD and I would still disciple people, etc...but God made it quite clear that I am not meant to be a doctor by October. So now I am pretty lost.

I have been praying for guidance since the summer and really God just continues to show me what my heart is passionate about. While I do love sports, I enjoy math and teaching, the one thing in life that makes me come alive more than anything is ministering to others. I have a middle school boys discipleship group at my church and I continue to be involved with the people in the high school youth group. I just love talking about God. I have never felt more alive than when I am ministering. The past couple of months, I really feel led to a life of ministry. It seems the only thing that would hold me back is money. But I am really not worried about that as much...I just want to be where God wants me.

So that brings me to the point of the post. How do you know if you are called to a life of full time ministry?

Also I know of some forms of ministry...such as in the church, like a youth minister, and then outside the church with groups like the Navigators. I really have a heart for discipleship, and reaching the lost through discipleship. What all is there?
 

Jonahan

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chrisd53 said:
So that brings me to the point of the post. How do you know if you are called to a life of full time ministry?

Many of the things you've posted look like fruits of a call to me. I, too, started out pre-med, and learned very quickly (well, certainly by the 3rd time I dropped Biology 101) that it wasn't for me.

I did music ministry for 14 years before answering the call to full time ministry. Many pastors told me "if you can do ANYTHING else, do it; and when you can't do anything else, come back to ministry". I find this type of advice to be well-intended, but lacking in true value. God has blessed me with many gifts, and I had a very successful career as a software developer. I could have done that for the rest of my life, or a number of other things. But through it all, something was always lacking, and I always felt *best* about myself, about God, and about the world and my relationship to others in the world when I was ministering. That, I believe, is evidence of a true calling. And it sounds like you're experiencing something very similar.

Dicerning a call to ministry is very, very difficult. Talk to your pastor about it, if you haven't. Talk to other pastors about it. Start taking religion and philosophy courses and see if you enjoy them.

One other "hint" that helped me discern my call was that when I went to college the first time, I dropped half my classes and ended up w/ a 2.7 GPA (4.0 scale). When I went back for the purpose of going to seminary after receiving my undergraduate degree, I ended up with a 3.7 GPA.

I'm a smart guy, more or less, but even though I breezed through highschool I wasn't doing well in college -- until I started doing what I was *supposed* to be doing.

I don't know, maybe this doesn't help at all -- I hope it helps a little. Just keep talking about it with your friends, mentors, and of course God.

Best wishes,

Jonathan
 
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hasnoname

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I thought that was funny...because my gpa has never been as low as it is now...I just hope I dont lose my scholarship...

Your post helped a lot. It is amazing how God works. I'll explain

I had an appointment with a career councelor here because I am changing majors and feel lost. She asked me what I am passionate about...and I told her that I really come alive when I am involved in ministry. It seems like I have abundant purpose almost. And she basically told me to stop sitting around and go after it. Find out what it takes to get into ministry.

I also had lunch scheduled with a good friend/mentor for today. I had planned on talking to him some about these feelings as he is in fulltime ministry and his ministry involves encouraging and motivating men to do what God has called them to do. Instead of just talking about basically everything, from my relationship with my girlfriend (a whole other story...but just as encouraging and amazing), to things I have questions about as far as faith...like a normal discipleship type interaction thingy...we talked about ministry and I learned a lot. It was incredibly encouraging.

So then I come home after, and I see you responded to this post, which I believe I posted around 2 weeks ago. The only reply...I had really forgotten about it and it is extremely encouraging.

Now I am not claiming to know how God works at all...I am just as ignorant as everyone else here...but when He wants to encourage...it is amazing what he does and how fast it happens. I went for around a month only praying about it...not talking to anyone about it...and bam...He responded. I love seeing God work...in my life and in others lives...it is so encouraging.

Anyways...I greatly appreciate your advise. Thanks
 
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popi

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Greetings my brother,

I am a new member of cf and I'm a little bit far from your place... I will not advice you but I will encourage you in a little way... By the way, i am ptr popi from the philippines... we are ministering right now to the tribal community here in mindanao philippines, both to the muslim and other tribes... it is difficult to minister here but their plight is much difficult for they don't know how to read and write and aside that it is the place of one of the most poorest area of the the phils... 3x a week we gave them bread for the amount of 2$. It is the breakfast of about 75 students and although we don't have funds for that we can testify that the Lord is the ever providing God.... I mean... you think you are at lost right now, but I know the Lord is just opening new things for you to explore... there is something for you in ministry especially that you have a heart to the task for the glory of the Lord.... go on my brother.... fight a good fight of faith... you can visit us here if you want to and try a new ministry outside of your comfort zone and witness the world that been lost and look what was the work to fullfil byGOd's grace....
Ptr. Popi
 
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hasnoname

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Thank you guys so much. I dont get on here very much anymore, but the last 3 times I have there has been a new message. God is really using this thread when I am discouraged, because I always forget about it. But I get on CF and bam, there it is with a new post. Thanks for your prayer.

I have changed majors to accounting. This is pretty much permanent (unless I lose my scholarship). I am getting more and more involved with ministry opprotunities, and the only thing that is separating me from a life of full time ministry is my stupid selfish flesh. Money I guess. But I know with God, that is easily overcome. I dont know where to go from here, but have come to realize I dont really need to worry about those kinds of things. God is always faithful and always provides. It is amazing how loving our God is, and how He takes care of everything if we just submit to His purpose.

Thanks for the prayers.
 
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