uncertainty

[food4thought]

Hi... I believe that I have been called to be a pastor.

I have just been accepted to a Christian university; and after being fairly certain that this was what I was supposed to do, suddenly I am not sure I should do this. I already have an associate in theology from Bible College, which would be enough to get into the ministry in my church. My thought has been that I'm still missing something. Mostly, I feel inadequate in my people skills. Should I pursue further education while I develope people skills, or should I just jump in?

My prayerful answers are not clear... any advice?

 

[Cloudz]

It is key that you feel up to the call.People skills.I think it's pretty much a do and learn thing but then a good pastor has some training in psychology,do you? God Bless,good luck and hopefully this falls into place.

 

[food4thought]

It is key that you feel up to the call.People skills.I think it's pretty much a do and learn thing but then a good pastor has some training in psychology,do you? God Bless,good luck and hopefully this falls into place.

Thanks, Cloudz. I have 12 credits in psychology, and have been thinking about pursuing a BA in Psychology and then looking into becoming a licensed counselor... again, the problem is my ability to relate book knowledge to real-life interpersonal wisdom that I feel completely inept at, yet I consistently get assurance in prayer that pastoral ministry is what God has for me. I believe it's a faith and trust thing with God... yet I hesitate. Caution or unbelief?

 

[PassionateWorshipper]

Is God calling you to be a pastor?
Is God calling you to be a counselor (with psyche classes under your belt)?
Is God calling you to both?
Is God calling you to self-reliance or complete dependence upon Him?

Only you know exactly what God is saying. Sometimes in our insecurity we try to equip ourselves to fulfill God's call. However, we are told to seek Wisdom in the scripture, over and over. Wisdom is the ability to apply spiritual scriptural principals to everyday life. This is what is desparately needed in the church. It will cost you more than a college degree to seek God in this way and your counsel will come from the throne room of God if you do.

Personally, I love to study and research - I'm a learner. But God has called me to press into Him for answers, this I find more difficult because I have to lay down my desires and my intellect and simply come to Him as a child on behalf of others.

I would encourage you to get alone with God and begin to journal why you would choose certain paths. Do not leave this place until you have beyond a doubt, heard from God (could take a number of hours.) I believe when you come to the end of yourself (thoughts, desires, emotions, beliefs) on these matters His way will become very clear to you. You will have peace that the world cannot give as you follow Him from this point.

I pray that God will continue to lead you and give you the assurance and clarity you need to walk the path He has set before you.

Blessings to you brother. -PW

 

[Jesus Is Real]

amen