Spinning My wheels looking for advice

[Martin Calvin]

Hi all~
I'm new to the forum, but wanted to see If I could get some advice. I am decerning my call to ministry and trying to get through my undergrad. Due to a serries of rather unfortunate events with my university I am stuck starting over at a community college. While this will be good for me, I'm a much more serious student now with a wife and child, but I'm looking at what to major in. I was an Organizational Communication major before, but that isn't what I feel called to, or interested in. I desperately want to find something that I can do well in (like social sciences) but I'm also keenly aware that I should have a degree that would let me support my family if ordained call are slow comming in. Any advice?

 

[brother daniel]

When a man seeketh wisdom let him ask of God who giveth librely and upbraids not.
Peter gave up fishing for fish to become a fisher of men yet he led around a wife and children. I have heard more than once " when God guides he provides.
If you spend 8 hours a day studing the word of God witnesing and preaching you and your family will be provided for by our father in Heaven. If you dont work neather should you eat. But what work? Jesus said follow me and I will make you fishers of men. Jesus wants help. You can go to work for him today if you are willing.

 

[herev]

Well, if you are interested in seminary (and I don't know if you are), any undergraduate degree is required--they'll take care of the rest. Personally, I have a buisness management degree, which I find very useful in ministry. I know many pastors who have degrees in psychology, or communication, religion, etc--the list goes on. The main thing is, if you feel God telling you to finish that degree--do it, He'll guide you through as you get moving.
When I accpeted finally the call to full time ministry, I had dropped out of college 13 years ealier (I was studying Mechanical Engineering). I finished my undergrad and am 1 semester away from finishing my M.Div.--all while pastoring in the United Methodist Church.

 

[Martin Calvin]

Well, if you are interested in seminary (and I don't know if you are), any undergraduate degree is required--they'll take care of the rest. Personally, I have a buisness management degree, which I find very useful in ministry. I know many pastors who have degrees in psychology, or communication, religion, etc--the list goes on. The main thing is, if you feel God telling you to finish that degree--do it, He'll guide you through as you get moving.

When I accpeted finally the call to full time ministry, I had dropped out of college 13 years ealier (I was studying Mechanical Engineering). I finished my undergrad and am 1 semester away from finishing my M.Div.--all while pastoring in the United Methodist Church.

Thanks for the encouragement. Right now is a transition time and I feel like there is nothing to grasp on to. I also find it ironic that you were studying mechanical engineering. My dad is the everpresent voice saying "get a degree, and degree, and you can do what you want," and right now he's completing his doctorate in mechanical engineering.

On a sidenote, I don't think I made it clear. I'm lookin at going to seminary to get an M.Div. so I can be ordained in the PC(USA) or the ELCA if they straigten out and fly right.

 

[Highland Watchman]

Find out what is required for ordination in those denominations. I know there are denominations that require that you get your seminary training at their denominational college, and some don't require seminary training at all.

What attracts you to the pastoral ministry? Answering that question might make things clearer for you. Though nothing short of the call of God is sufficient for doing what you will be doing, so you have to make sure that you are choosing the right vocation. Someone once told me that if I can think of anything else that I would rather do than ministry to do that instead...

but yeah. Let's see what everyone else has to say...

 

[Inperfected]

I know you aren't thinking of quitting, but don't, you've come this far don't stop...
As for what to major in, one prasy, but two take sometime talking to your pastor and wife about it ok.

 

[herev]

Thanks for the encouragement. Right now is a transition time and I feel like there is nothing to grasp on to. I also find it ironic that you were studying mechanical engineering. My dad is the everpresent voice saying "get a degree, and degree, and you can do what you want," and right now he's completing his doctorate in mechanical engineering.

On a sidenote, I don't think I made it clear. I'm lookin at going to seminary to get an M.Div. so I can be ordained in the PC(USA) or the ELCA if they straigten out and fly right.

Our seminary is very ecumenical. It is an AMEZ seminary, so the majority are in some part of the Methodist family, but we have a number of Presbies, Lutherans, and a lot of Baptists. Different churches reqire different things. I'll pray for discernment

 

[Highland Watchman]

As will I...

 

[clonenomore]

Personally, I have a buisness management degree, which I find very useful in ministry. I know many pastors who have degrees in psychology, or communication, religion, etc--the list goes on. The main thing is, if you feel God telling you to finish that degree--do it, He'll guide you through as you get moving.

My degree is in psychology, which I think can be useful, but if I had it to do over again, I would pursue a business degree. I know that I'm about to get blasted, but even though we don't like to admit it, we have to run our churches using good business sense. If we are to best utilize our funds and resources to reach the most people, we have to implement good business practices. Additionally, if, like me, God puts you in a ministry where you have to bi-vocational, a business degree is a better option. Another good choice is anything in Information Systems.

I know that my degree is in psychology, but I don't recommend that as a major. Psychological principles often go against Biblical principles. I recommend that you pursue a good Biblical counseling certification instead.

Having said all of this, I don't know what God has planned for you. Pray, He'll tell you what to do.

 

[psalms 91]

while we should prepare it is god who calls us and not man. if god called you he will open the doors and provide. it is the spirit of god that saves and not a degree from a seminary or college. god is doing an old work in a new way so get ready.

 

[desi]

If I were you I'd get the easiest degree you can in whatever subject is easiest for you as you have a family and need to finish this area quickly.

 

[Gwenyfur]

Nothing less than fulfilling the call given you by God will be acceptable to Him. Pray for discernment, wisdom and guidance in your life.

Our current youth pastor gave up a very lucrative career in IT went back to college, then to seminary and he's not once had his family do without. The Lord provides graciously. I can attest to that, and I'm a lowly pianist

God won't lead you where His grace can't keep you. Trust and rest in Him, He'll lead the way