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"Am I Thinking About This
Too Late?"
and other Frequently Asked Questions
- Am I thinking about this too late?
Not
at all! You
may be surprised how many people are entering the
ministry at a later stage in life, and how many opportunities
are available for you. Adults exploring ministry
is a growing trend – even among those who have
already retired.
- Do I have to go to a seminary?
Yes, if God leads you that direction. No, if He does
not. The key to ministry is always following the
leadership of God through the journey of life. Many
people in ministry should participate in some kind
of structured religious education. If you will be
teaching any age of people the Bible, you should
know as much about the Bible as you can possibly
learn. But, any person who follows Christ should
be well informed about ministering to people.
Ask
other people that you know and trust if they think
you should be at a Christian university or seminary.
Remember, ultimately you must follow God's leadership,
but God often works through the people around us
and through wise counselors. No matter what path
you take, become a life-time learner. Gain new
experiences, develop relationships with believers
who can help you grow, and study any and all resources
that can benefit you spiritually or professionally.
Training and education are essential, but seminary
is only one option. Your
training and educational needs will depend entirely
on your ministry goals and objectives.
- What if I feel called but am very unsure about
the idea of being a full-time minister?
Then
you are in good company! Full-time vocational
ministers are needed, but it is quite a commitment.
There are so many ways to be a minister and live
out your calling without making a full career switch. Click here to
see a list of what these options might be, or here to
see testimonies from adults just like you.
- When should I discuss my calling with someone?
Yesterday! It is very important that you open
all communication lines about the calling you are
feeling. Your immediate family members should be
the first to know, and then your current pastor.
- How do
I explain the decision that I have made to my family?
It is important to inform your family of what is
going on in your life as you pursue the direction
God is leading you. They have spent much time praying,
thinking about, preparing for and investing in your
future. The journey that you are on is exciting,
but not always clear. If it is not clear for you,
imagine how unclear it is for your family. Help them
understand that you are committing your life to following
Christ, wherever He leads you. Let them know that
you may not know for certain your long term vocation,
but you do know that you are committing your life
to follow God in whatever vocation He wants for your
life. In
the days ahead, as always, keep your family informed
about every stage of your growth and the relationships
that you are developing.
How do I
help my friends understand what is going on in my life?
Teach them what you are learning, and don't shy away
from expressing freely what God is doing in your
life without forcing it on them or expecting them
to be where you are spiritually. Remember, the rhythm
of God is different in everyone's life! Your calling
should not change your friendships; your calling
should revolutionize your friendships. You should
look at each relationship in your life as a person
that God loves and God wants you to encourage and
love. You are not called to be the resident moral
voice in your circle of friends, but God has called
you to live for Christ in every group of people,
including your friends.
Again, the journey you are on is exciting, but not
always clear. If it is not clear for you, imagine
how unclear it is for the people around you. Let
them know you may not know for certain your long
term vocation, but you do know you are committing
your life to follow God in whatever vocation He wants
for your life.
- I’m a woman thinking about full-time
ministry. Is it true that my opportunities
are limited?
It depends on what you want to do. You do have
many opportunities in the church, but know that only
a small number of churches are open to female pastors
or other ordained female clergy. Click here for
more resources.
- Who are the “Emerging Leaders Team” and
how can they help me?
The “Emerging Leaders Team” is a ministry
of the Virginia Baptist Mission Board. The
team specializes in helping people just like you
discover your gifts, understand your calling, and
find the right place of ministry. We work not only
with individuals but also churches, helping them
to find and nurture the emerging leaders in the church.
We are here for you, so please call us and talk
to us. If you are an adult sensing a calling to
ministry or Christian service, call Leslie Straw,
Adult Ministry Strategist at
1-800-ALL-BGAV ext.
2244, or e-mail at
.
What do I do? What’s my first
step?
Click here for
an idea of what steps you should take to explore
and answer God’s calling in your life.
Will pursuing ministry change who I am?
If you are afraid you now have to dress like and
act like your pastor all the time, don't worry. God
uniquely crafted you. You are His workmanship. He
created you and gifted you with a specific purpose
in mind that requires you to be exactly who you are.
If something in your life needs "tweeking," God
will guide you to make the adjustments necessary;
but He doesn't expect you to "cookie-cutter" yourself
into a stereotype. A call to ministry is not a call
to become like another person, it is a call to follow
Christ wherever He leads you and however He changes
you.
Do I have to go to Mozambique?
Perhaps the question should be, "Can I go to
Mozambique?" God calls all believers to ministry.
Ministry, in your life, may or may not mean full
time vocational missions, but you should be looking
for ways to serve God globally or to increase your
awareness of God at work in the nations. Our lives
are about His glory wherever He calls us to serve.
Many people serve God in their home country, but
everyone is called to get the message of Jesus to
every nation.
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