Guidance for a new(ish) Christian

[Chris Green]

Not long after I became a Christian (and 2 years later) I have a BURNING in my heart to be a preacher and teacher of God's word. I know I have a long way to go, but it's the main focus of my life now.

Just wanted some advice from people who may have been in this situation please and mayeb are doing it now.

Or just general help.

Thank you

 

[DawnTillery]

Sounds like to me God is calling you to do this.
Im not sure what exactly your doing now in your church, but can you possibly volunteer for youth leader or sunday school teacher or something like that or is the desire more than just that?

I know at first when I was asked to do something in the church, I thought im not ready for that, but God does not call the qualified, He qualifies those who are called.

 

[Chris Green]

Sounds like to me God is calling you to do this.
Im not sure what exactly your doing now in your church, but can you possibly volunteer for youth leader or sunday school teacher or something like that or is the desire more than just that?

I know at first when I was asked to do something in the church, I thought im not ready for that, but God does not call the qualified, He qualifies those who are called.

Thanks Dawn

Our church is really small so there are no positions like Youth Pastor (although that may change as we are growing quickly).

I have done about 5 talks and really enjoyed it. I find God giving me slightly better messages each time.

The problem is I run my own business and as that becomes more successful I have less time to do things in my own time.

 

[DawnTillery]

I understand that, I am a fulltime mom and full time college student, sometimes I am just running on empty.


Have you considered talking to your pastor about your feelings, there is always somewhere/ something for people to do that are having a call from God to do His work.

 

[asjs1206]

I personally have not been down that road-but my brother has-he is a minister-
he felt God calling him to be a minister-and he prayed about it for 2 years and sought guidance from other ministers. My advice would be to pray about it and talk to some ministers to see what they think. If everything points to the right direction then I say go for it.

 

[Chris Green]

I personally have not been down that road-but my brother has-he is a minister-
he felt God calling him to be a minister-and he prayed about it for 2 years and sought guidance from other ministers. My advice would be to pray about it and talk to some ministers to see what they think. If everything points to the right direction then I say go for it.

thanks

 

[Sketcher]

Talk with your pastor about it and see what he says. You've been in the faith for two years, you may have a decent foundation - but it'll take someone who knows you well to tell that. If you had only come to the Lord six months ago, I'd be worried - "He [the leadership candidate] must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil." - 1 Tim 3:6

The verses before and after that show the guidelines for what a church leader's life ought to look like. Again, talk to your pastor about it and pray. A junior leadership position may be right for you. God is faithful to making those he calls to be leaders qualified. If you are faithful with what He gives you now, He will promote you to bigger and "better" things (Matt 25:21, Luke 16:10).

 

[arunma]

Not long after I became a Christian (and 2 years later) I have a BURNING in my heart to be a preacher and teacher of God's word. I know I have a long way to go, but it's the main focus of my life now.

Just wanted some advice from people who may have been in this situation please and mayeb are doing it now.

Or just general help.

Thank you

Hey, I'm in the same boat! I've actually been a Christian for about two years as well, and I also feel a certain desire to preach the word of God. I'm graduating from university with a physics degree next year, but I think I might forget about grad school and go to seminary. Needless to say, I'll be watching this thread carefully for opinions from more experienced Christians!

 

[Chris Green]

Hey, I'm in the same boat! I've actually been a Christian for about two years as well, and I also feel a certain desire to preach the word of God. I'm graduating from university with a physics degree next year, but I think I might forget about grad school and go to seminary. Needless to say, I'll be watching this thread carefully for opinions from more experienced Christians!

What is seminary?

 

[arunma]

Long story short: seminary is pastor college.

 

[Chris Green]

ah right i see.

I dont think there's much chance of me going back to college with a massive mortgage and a baby on the way .

 

[Chris Green]

.

 

[vinc]

Having the main focus in being a Preacher and Teacher of God's Word is very good. It is God alone who would have kept such a burning desire in you. This burning desire would have made you to spend more time reading and meditating on the Word of God. Such a burning desire is also very good and essential.

But, most Christians have this desire in them to become a Preacher or Teacher as this has become quite a glamourous profession nowadays. Therefore, we ought to be careful whether God is really calling specifically for this vocation and whether it is along with a job or without a job. And we can fall into greater condemnation from God if we Preach or Teach something which is incorrect (James 3:1).

Regarding joining a seminary, i suggest that you proceed after you get a clear signal from God.

None of the Twelve Disciples whom the Lord Jesus Christ selected came out from any Seminary or Bible College yet they did a mighty work for Him in those days.

A Man of God said, "The sermons of Lord Jesus Christ came from the 30 years of life that He lived prior to His public ministry.". If a Preacher or Teacher has lived a sub-standard christian life then s(he) will Preach or Teach the same standard of christian life. If one lives a high standard christian life then s(he) is bound to Preach or Teach the same. So, it is the life-how-the-Preacher-lived which really counts not how many sermons s(he) can preach or teach.

I also believe every christian can share, query and discuss all that s(he) has learnt so far with other members of the Body of Christ.

There are some Preachers who have a lot of Bible knowledge and can preach sermons but may not impart "Life" unto their hearers.

The Bible describes Lord Jesus Christ as "the Word which was made Flesh and dwelt among us". So, unless the Word of God becomes a part of our flesh through a deep spiritual experience in the school of life, we cannot become effective Preachers like Lord Jesus Christ and we cannot impart "Life" unto those who hear us.

Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 4:15, "For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.". Here he clearly mentions that a Spiritual Father is far better than ten thousand instructers (preachers and teachers included) in Christ. Because a Spiritual Father/Mother has won the soul through the Gospel and cares for the soul and its spiritual growth like a begotten son or daughter.

IMHO it is better to be as a Learner for a long period of time than be a Preacher or Teacher.

This is my honest opinion. Hope these inputs help in anyway. Lord bless you.

 

[sheep in wolves clothing]

If God has a calling on your life, follow it. As stated before, talk to a pastor or someone in authority in the church for advice. That being said, your ultimate calling is from God, not man. Pastoral advice is needed for direction and guidance for the process to become a minister. Most denominations have certain qualifications for ministers in training to follow.

If God's calling is truly on your life the doors will open. But be cautious, being called to be a minister and to work for God are two distinct things. Be prepared to be questioned and prodded as to what your calling is for:

1 Corinthinas 12 says:
27 You are Christ's body--that's who you are! You must never forget this. Only as you accept your part of that body does your "part" mean anything.
28 You're familiar with some of the parts that God has formed in his church, which is his "body":
apostles
prophets
teachers
miracle workers
healers
helpers
organizers
those who pray in tongues.

In other places there are calling for Evangelists and Pastors. Be sure what your calling is by asking God for the wisdom to discern exactly what he wants you to be. Ask and submit to His leading and obey His direction and He will not lead you astray. Remember, It is what God wants, not what you want. You are His tools. He is the Vine, we are the branches, apart from Him we can do nothing.

At the end of the day, trust in Him and rely on His leading to guide you and He will give you the wisdom to decide what is right for Him.

With Love...

A Sheep in Wolves Clothing


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To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.
Ps.30:12