Interested in ministry, what to expect and how to start?

[Razzle]

I feel a deep DEEP calling to become a minister specializing volunteer work and outreach.
HOWEVER...I have no idea on how ministry works.
I haven't even attempted a new church since no longer going to my father's Catholic church.
I suppose I'm Catholic in terms of the way I study the Bible and basic spiritual beliefs.
But my social ideals are more on the side of Universal Unitarianism, so I'm very very liberal while the only Catholic church in town is, as you can imagine, very conservative.

One thing I know is that I very likely need a college degree.
I'd love to start classes with an online college, but I'd very much prefer a liberal Christian college and I'm unsure how to search for one.

What kind of things does a future minister need to do?
Heck, what kind of things does a CURRENT minister do?
I might have the wrong idea completely!

 

[rockytopva]

Here is a story about a couple who rose out of obscurity from a humble mission to a world wide ministry...

 

[drstevej]

I suggest you start by finding a ministry that does the kind of ministry you are interested in. You may be able to locate something via the internet or by talking with churches in your area that are close to your views (the web is a good resource here too).

Ask these ministries if you can visit to see what they do. If it looks good, ask to volunteer. As you define what kind of ministry you want to pursue you can explore the preparation needed.

Make sense?

Chaplain Steve