secretdawn said:
I was wondering if anyone could give me any advice on how to pursue a career as a pastor...I was also wondering if, like other college programs, you can double major. If anyone knows a good school in Missouri, I would also appreciate recommendations.
Also out of curiosity...i am a single mom...how would the community feel about that? How do you feel about that...a single mom as a pastor that is.
Biblically one cannot find where pastoring is a "career" to choose. It is a gifting from the Lord and one needs to be called.
However, we can read about hirelings, those who do things just for the money. We see that when the pressure is on they turn tail and run!
Many years ago I heard a good anology of the five fold minstry and it has stuck with me ever since. Take a look at your left hand, especially your fingers.
An Apostle is like your thumb. It is not directly next to the rest of your fingers but a aprt just the same. It sticks out there on it's own but the rest of the fingers greatly rely on it just as it does the rest of the fingers.
Next we have the Prophet which is like your pointing finger. Always pointing things out, putting their finger on things. Again the rest depend upon it as it does the rest.
Now we have the evangelist, the middle finger, who stands just a little above the rest. Dependency here also!
For sake of your question we will jump a finger!
Here we have the teacher, like the pinkie finger, which is always getting into your ears. And yet again dependency is required here also.
Lastly we have the Pastor. Notice how it is like the ring finger? This finger indicates marriage and in following the example of Christ the pastor is married to the church. The pastor not only fathers but also mothers the congregation. The pastor is elated when one of his(her) children (congregation) excels. The pastor mourns when tragedy befalls one. The pastor is always encouraging, uplifting, and even provoking us to go on with God. The pastor is always at the other end of the phone, no matter the hour. Well, I think you get where this is going.
The other four ministries typically are going out into the world to function within their calling. It is the Pastor who is with the people continually.
Now lastly, notice that your fingers are connected to your hand? But does your hand control your fingers? Does your forearm or elbow? Or even your upper arm or shoulder? No, your fingers are controled by your head. This is where the impluses to function originate.
The same is with the five fold ministry. With everyone actually. Christ is the head of the Church. He calls each of us to fulfill our part. Not everyone is a finger, nor eye or toe. It is only through prayer and patience, waiting on the Lord to lead and equip us. It is only when we are in His will for our lives that we can bring the most glory to His name..
