Considering a career in ministry

[GottLiebe1865CH]

Hello, I'm new to the forum, but have been a lifelong Christian (okay, off and on Christian). Where to start? Well, as my screen name implies, I speak German as my second native language after English (the "CH" is the country code for Switzerland, where my father's side is from). I was born with a syndrome that caused me to get a neck fusion and disfigures in my face. Why does God allow birth defects? Because even though God is perfect, I was born into an IMperfect world. However, as a result, I've been ignored most of my life because...well, I guess people thought I would be hard to make friends with. I don't know what it's like to go out with a group of friends or date a girl. Due to all of that being ignored and isolated, I also grew up with an anger problem, basically mad at the world. Yes, I know Jesus said, "If the world hates you, remember it hated me first." I live by that quote all the time.

Recently, I had a dream where I was chasing after some people who offended me, wanting to get revenge, and I heard a voice from above that said, "Unless you learn to accept Jesus, you're never going to be happy." I stopped right there and instantly felt relieved. I've thought about a career in ministry off and on, but now I know that's what I want. I'm going to visit several different seminary campuses in the fall. I'm already 32, but age is nothing but a number. In fact, Jesus himself was around my age when he started his ministry! It is no coincidence!


One setback, though, is I tend to be hypocritical. That is what has stopped me from applying to seminary school over the years. But then I realized, just because I'm going to seminary school doesn't mean I have to be a perfect person 100% of the time. I'm (pretty) sure there will be other less observant (for lack of a better term) seminary students who drink/get drunk, cuss, have pre-marital sex, and touch. I'm not saying I'm guilty of all those (just some), but I do not need to get into that right now. Doing bad things does not make me (or anyone) a bad person, just human!

I feel since I've been ignored and treated as "invisible" most of my life, I've learned to think of my existence on this Earth as an unbreakable bond between me and God/Jesus. I've ALWAYS got a friend in Jesus, and hopefully some online friends here, and even more friends in seminary!

I do not know if I want to become a pastor and preach on Sundays (though I could consider that as something to fall back on), but rather, I'd like to go into pastoral counseling, summer camp/retreat leadership, third-world missions, or the like. I'm also considering being a campus minister. I know that counselors in general will not be phased out by technology because people will always want a living, breathing human to talk to about their problems.

 

[farout]

Hello, I'm new to the forum, but have been a lifelong Christian (okay, off and on Christian). Where to start? Well, as my screen name implies, I speak German as my second native language after English (the "CH" is the country code for Switzerland, where my father's side is from). I was born with a syndrome that caused me to get a neck fusion and disfigures in my face. Why does God allow birth defects? Because even though God is perfect, I was born into an IMperfect world. However, as a result, I've been ignored most of my life because...well, I guess people thought I would be hard to make friends with. I don't know what it's like to go out with a group of friends or date a girl. Due to all of that being ignored and isolated, I also grew up with an anger problem, basically mad at the world. Yes, I know Jesus said, "If the world hates you, remember it hated me first." I live by that quote all the time.

Recently, I had a dream where I was chasing after some people who offended me, wanting to get revenge, and I heard a voice from above that said, "Unless you learn to accept Jesus, you're never going to be happy." I stopped right there and instantly felt relieved. I've thought about a career in ministry off and on, but now I know that's what I want. I'm going to visit several different seminary campuses in the fall. I'm already 32, but age is nothing but a number. In fact, Jesus himself was around my age when he started his ministry! It is no coincidence!


One setback, though, is I tend to be hypocritical. That is what has stopped me from applying to seminary school over the years. But then I realized, just because I'm going to seminary school doesn't mean I have to be a perfect person 100% of the time. I'm (pretty) sure there will be other less observant (for lack of a better term) seminary students who drink/get drunk, cuss, have pre-marital sex, and touch. I'm not saying I'm guilty of all those (just some), but I do not need to get into that right now. Doing bad things does not make me (or anyone) a bad person, just human!

I feel since I've been ignored and treated as "invisible" most of my life, I've learned to think of my existence on this Earth as an unbreakable bond between me and God/Jesus. I've ALWAYS got a friend in Jesus, and hopefully some online friends here, and even more friends in seminary!

I do not know if I want to become a pastor and preach on Sundays (though I could consider that as something to fall back on), but rather, I'd like to go into pastoral counseling, summer camp/retreat leadership, third-world missions, or the like. I'm also considering being a campus minister. I know that counselors in general will not be phased out by technology because people will always want a living, breathing human to talk to about their problems.

Do you enjoy studding the Bible? Have you read much of the Bible? Have you read the qualifications of what a pastor is to be in the Bible? Are you active in a church now, would your pastor be willing to give you a recommendation for the seminary you want to go to? Do you have a BA or BS degree already?

Most Seminaries have a battery of tests, including psychological testing, and personal inventory testing to see if you might really be able to enter ministry. Going into Seminary is not what some people think; Seminaries are not begging people to enter, they are screening men and women to make their education will be a blessing to the person and o those who might benefit from you entering ministry.

Perhaps above everything else do you honestly have a call from the Lord into ministry? Do you have the desire to serve others with the Gospel of Jesus Christ? What is your prayer life like?

Do not think Seminary is free. master level education is expensive, books cost a lot more then college. Some of my books cost almost $100. each. I would guess my seminary education costs were very close to $70K to $80K for four years. There are scholarships,grants, work studys, and just old fashion working. If you go to a seminary that your Denomination supports there are some big discounts. There are some student Loans which I totally discourage anyone form taking, as paying them back can last even past the time you start Social Security.

Some seminaries allow people to enter with a little college, but the same standard for all work is just the same for all students regardless of education. Under these conditions you don't get a M. Div. but a General recognition of completing the classes in many Seminaries.

Christian Biblical standards are seriously enforced. Church involvement in some sort of ministry is always a requirement. Sexual immorality, drinking to excess, and financial difficulties, and unbiblical behavior can be reasons for expulsion. I did a double major and I spent five years in Seminary. I loved being in Seminary, but this is just a place to wet you desire to learn more on your own and with Continued education credits. I started a D. Min and it is even musg more difficult. My health gave out and I was forced to withdrawal. But I am constantly reading and learning, and practicing the skills I learned in Seminary.

I hope this helps you get excited about seeking to serve the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

[Ken Behrens]

Every Christian is called to be in ministry. Start part time, find your passion and your gifts. God will likely provide training as you go. Stop worrying about sins that God hasn't delivered you from yet (like hypocrisy) and about people's reactions (Jesus ignored what the Pharisees thought); once you start following your gifts, you get even closer to Jesus, and He takes care of these things. In other words - JUST DO IT!

 

[farout]

Every Christian is called to be in ministry. Start part time, find your passion and your gifts. God will likely provide training as you go. Stop worrying about sins that God hasn't delivered you from yet (like hypocrisy) and about people's reactions (Jesus ignored what the Pharisees thought); once you start following your gifts, you get even closer to Jesus, and He takes care of these things. In other words - JUST DO IT!

Good advice. Take the time to develop your gifts, so you know what your strong points and weakness are.

 

[AngelOf Laodicea]

Hello, I'm new to the forum, but have been a lifelong Christian (okay, off and on Christian). Where to start? Well, as my screen name implies, I speak German as my second native language after English (the "CH" is the country code for Switzerland, where my father's side is from). I was born with a syndrome that caused me to get a neck fusion and disfigures in my face. Why does God allow birth defects? Because even though God is perfect, I was born into an IMperfect world. However, as a result, I've been ignored most of my life because...well, I guess people thought I would be hard to make friends with. I don't know what it's like to go out with a group of friends or date a girl. Due to all of that being ignored and isolated, I also grew up with an anger problem, basically mad at the world. Yes, I know Jesus said, "If the world hates you, remember it hated me first." I live by that quote all the time.

Recently, I had a dream where I was chasing after some people who offended me, wanting to get revenge, and I heard a voice from above that said, "Unless you learn to accept Jesus, you're never going to be happy." I stopped right there and instantly felt relieved. I've thought about a career in ministry off and on, but now I know that's what I want. I'm going to visit several different seminary campuses in the fall. I'm already 32, but age is nothing but a number. In fact, Jesus himself was around my age when he started his ministry! It is no coincidence!


One setback, though, is I tend to be hypocritical. That is what has stopped me from applying to seminary school over the years. But then I realized, just because I'm going to seminary school doesn't mean I have to be a perfect person 100% of the time. I'm (pretty) sure there will be other less observant (for lack of a better term) seminary students who drink/get drunk, cuss, have pre-marital sex, and touch. I'm not saying I'm guilty of all those (just some), but I do not need to get into that right now. Doing bad things does not make me (or anyone) a bad person, just human!

I feel since I've been ignored and treated as "invisible" most of my life, I've learned to think of my existence on this Earth as an unbreakable bond between me and God/Jesus. I've ALWAYS got a friend in Jesus, and hopefully some online friends here, and even more friends in seminary!

I do not know if I want to become a pastor and preach on Sundays (though I could consider that as something to fall back on), but rather, I'd like to go into pastoral counseling, summer camp/retreat leadership, third-world missions, or the like. I'm also considering being a campus minister. I know that counselors in general will not be phased out by technology because people will always want a living, breathing human to talk to about their problems.

God makes ministers not man.

A school will not make you a minister nor even so much as prepare you for it.

Is it Gods will?

Ask God before jumping into your own path

 

[farout]

God makes ministers not man.

A school will not make you a minister nor even so much as prepare you for it.

Is it Gods will?

Ask God before jumping into your own path

?

 

[AngelOf Laodicea]

Would you go to a person who practiced medicine who had no medical school? those in ministry go to college and seminary not only to learn about the Bible, but how to prepare a sermon, counsel people. be a leader in a church dealing with many bosses. the list of things a person in ministry is not just opening the Bible and talking. Churches have very well educated people a pastor needs to be the same.

You are incorrect.

 

[farout]

You are incorrect.

Becoming prepared for ministry is just as much a part of ministry as being in a position.

 

[Stillicidia]

.

 

[Paidiske]

OP, your faith is listed as Presbyterian. I'm not very well-versed in the Presbyterian system, but am I right in thinking that selection for ministry is done by a presbytery committee? I would recommend approaching someone on that committee first, as they will be able to guide you as to the expectations and requirements in your denomination. As you can see just in this post, these vary widely in different traditions!

In the meantime, doing some reading on ministry could be a good way to start thinking about where and how you see yourself in that kind of role. Steven Croft's book, Ministry in Three Dimensions, was one I found helpful when I was just discerning a vocation to ministry. It's probably a bit dated now but might be a useful starting point?

 

[farout]

God makes ministers, not man.

A Preacher has preaching as a gift.

Then they are "educated" by the Holy Spirit.

Schools teaching people how to be preachers seem like they would be annoying.

I agree.

 

[faroukfarouk]

Would you go to a person who practiced medicine who had no medical school? those in ministry go to college and seminary not only to learn about the Bible, but how to prepare a sermon, counsel people. be a leader in a church dealing with many bosses. the list of things a person in ministry is not just opening the Bible and talking. Churches have very well educated people a pastor needs to be the same.

Preparation is indeed hugely important. The sort of preparation involved in Paul's exhortation to Timothy "Study to show thyself approved unto God" is a rather different sort of preparation from quantitative, rational schemes of secular undertakings.

 

[Stillicidia]

.

 

[farout]

Then you refuse what I'm saying.

A gift is given by God that allows for a heavy ability, a greater ability in something.

Do not underestimate speaking to the Holy Spirit. Those who speak to the Holy Spirit are told of secret things, and preachers need to keep up to date with what God wants through him.

I am NOT saying the Holy spirit is not a very HUGE part of being a pastor. I am saying without preparing for ministry you are in a boat with no rudder.

by the way no where in Scripture does it say we are to talk to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit teaches, instructs, and convicts us. We listen the Holy spirit does the talking we are to be listening. No where in Scripture does it say we are to pray to the Holy Spirit too.

 

[farout]

Preparation is indeed hugely important. The sort of preparation involved in Paul's exhortation to Timothy "Study to show thyself approved unto God" is a rather different sort of preparation from quantitative, rational schemes of secular undertakings.

I have seen and even experienced it myself, being educated with up to the wazoo with even Christian teaching from Spirit Filled teachers, that without being filled with the Spirit and His direction, we waste our efforts. Without Him we can do NOTHING. Every person in any ministry be SS teachers or song leaders, to greeters at the door need to be in His will.

 

[Stillicidia]

.

 

[faroukfarouk]

Why the contradiction?

Throw away improper, and unyieldly discernment.

Actually the statements are not contradictory; it was a matter of addressing the Spirit directly that farout was talking about (I think). Though he can speak for himself.

 

[farout]

Why the contradiction?

Throw away improper, and unyieldly discernment.

God is good.

 

[Stillicidia]

.

 

[farout]

Do you have issue with many preachers then?

I can only say Jesus Saves us, just when we need Him most.