Career

[CShephard53]

Okay, me of all people should be able to figure this one out. But I can't by myself. So let me lay out the basics:

-I'm 20, and will be 21 this fall.
-I've got a gift working with kids and others have told me this. I'm great at relating to them and helping them become more jazzed about God, I've also had others tell me that.
-I'm currently attending a private Christian college with an intended Elementary Education major.
-I've taken plenty of classes and done fine in them. I've got a 2.97 average and am understanding the content perfectly.
-I don't feel comfortable with some authority telling me what to do and what not to do when it comes to working with kids when that authority does not have a Christian point of view.
-I also don't feel comfortable with an authority who has a Christian view to the point where doing my job becomes politics as to whether or not I'm doing the 'Christian thing'.

-I do feel comfortable working directly with parents and kids to do what I can to be a mentor.

So here's the question- I've got two years of schooling under my belt, not enough for a minor or major. Do I quit school for a time, work retail, and see if I'd be better working 1-2 jobs and doing ministry on the side? Do I do that the rest of my life?

Now here's what I don't want when I ask that question- I don't want to be told that I need to go pray about it or study Scripture or take a spiritual gifts test or something. I feel like the Holy Spirit is asking me to stop school for a bit. But feelings aren't always reliable, and I want YOUR opinion given the above information. I want a second opinion. I'll be getting others.

 

[TakeAllOfMe]

My rather experienced opinion... ;-)
Finish school, you don't have long to go. If what you are feeling is from God, it will persist. If it doesn't, it never was.

In your field, I think Christian comes into it by how you love and treat the kids. Just remembering one loving teacher can make such a difference in the life of a child. As you gain experience, you will have more opportunity to mentor anyway.

You could take a break - but typically it is very hard to get back into it. And if you get married and have a child/ren in the intervening period, it can drag your study out and make it a hard road when you do get back to it. It can be done but it's harder than you imagine.

Once you've finished school, your qualification would be enough to get you a job as a children's ministry director. You can do ministry from there and study more at the same time if you choose to.

I, personally, think you would be most wise to finish your qualification.

 

[CShephard53]

My rather experienced opinion... ;-)
Finish school, you don't have long to go. If what you are feeling is from God, it will persist. If it doesn't, it never was.

In your field, I think Christian comes into it by how you love and treat the kids. Just remembering one loving teacher can make such a difference in the life of a child. As you gain experience, you will have more opportunity to mentor anyway.

You could take a break - but typically it is very hard to get back into it. And if you get married and have a child/ren in the intervening period, it can drag your study out and make it a hard road when you do get back to it. It can be done but it's harder than you imagine.

Once you've finished school, your qualification would be enough to get you a job as a children's ministry director. You can do ministry from there and study more at the same time if you choose to.

I, personally, think you would be most wise to finish your qualification.

Thanks for the input!

 

[drich0150]

I agree finish what you start. If this is where god wants you it will happen either way, but it's always easier to manuver this worlds/churches turbulant job market with a degree. You'll also have more options if and when you wish to move.

 

[Johnnz]

Make the most of any educational opportunity you have now. That will give you many more options later in life.

After that, see what opportunities you can follow. Remember, any good teaching in whatever context is following in the steps of the One True Teacher.

John
NZ

 

[Autumnleaf]

Get a degree in education and teach in a Christian school.

 

[Boss_BlueAngels]

Finish the education!

As for your issues with authority that you mentioned, if you're going to be going into education that's something you'll have to work out with yourself. And I mean both issues.

Just because an administrator or someone above you is not Christian, doesn't mean their decisions will always be bad or "wrong" in some way. I don't really know what you mean about things getting political

One great thing about having a teaching certificate is that no matter what the economy is doing, there is ALWAYS a demand for good teachers.


And remember, when working with students (whether public or private), Christianity is only a word without meaning. It's up to you to live the example, not just preach it.

 

[MrFreshdew]

its always good 2 ask Jesus watt He thinks and to trust Him 4 He knows best-by trusting meaning go on with your life and enjoy it-Jesus will make the way

 

[heron]

Finish school, you don't have long to go.

I agree. You will be able to make twice what you could without the degree, especially in child-related jobs. You will have someone over you telling you what to do, wherever you go. That's something we all have to deal with, and the bosses aren't always sensible.

Just because an administrator or someone above you is not Christian, doesn't mean their decisions will always be bad or "wrong" in some way.

So true. There are some great secular administrators out there, and some that allow legally proper Christian influence.

I know what you mean about the politics of Christian schools Most do not pay well, so the choice to teach at a Christian school needs to be tempered with sacrifice and devotion to the cause of Christian education.

One great thing about having a teaching certificate is that no matter what the economy is doing, there is ALWAYS a demand for good teachers.

So true.

Other directions you could take with child/youth care -- youth pastor, police representative to schools, parole officer, social worker, tutor (keep going with the certificate), physical therapy, dental hygiene, recreational supervisor (go kart tracks, camps....) Take a look at the Department of Labor website for careers working with children.

-- Lord, bring ideas to mind and help him find a clear path --