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Called to preach? Need advice and guidance

Discussion in '2000-02 Archive' started by Tony F, Nov 8, 2002.

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  1. Tony F

    Tony F New Member

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    I wanted to solicit some advice from those in ministry about what direction I might take.

    I have been saved just over 6 years. I am 34. During the past 6 years I have been on sort of a hyper-accelerated self-study program consuming as much information on doctrine and theology as possible. For the relatively short amount of time I have been at this I have amassed a fairly extensive amount of knowledge.

    I have been blessed with some amazing spiritual gifts. Discernment, Prophecy, Evangelism & Teaching all score very high when I have taken various "spiritual gift" tests. I have recently started teaching Sunday School (3rd-5th grade), I assist in an adult ministry, and I am possibly taking a position this summer as an assistant dean at a camp.

    I have begun to contemplate the thought of getting into some sort of full-time ministry. Options I have considered have been becoming a pastor, planting a new church, evangelism, radio ministry and/or developing curriculum.

    I am kind of keeping options open right now to see where the Lord leads me and also because I do feel that I need some formal Bible training first.

    I am planning on obtaining a BS in Theology via distance learning and would eventually go for my MA as well.

    Just wanted to solicit some advice to see if at this point I am headed down the right path, and if there are any steps I should take to gain more experience.

    Thanks

    In Christ
    Tony
     
    #1 Tony F, Nov 8, 2002
  2. Rev. G

    Rev. G New Member

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    Tony:

    First, study 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. It sounds like you have the "good desire." Are you biblically qualified?

    Second, have you received any kind of positive affirmation in this direction from your own pastor / elders at your church? From the congregation? If so, keep marching forward. If not, take time to stop and think...

    Third, wrap these two with prayer.

    I know this is simple, but I believe it is the biblical approach. If there is anything I can do to help you in any way, please let me know. May the Lord bless you!

    By His Grace Alone,
    Rev. G
     
    #2 Rev. G, Nov 8, 2002
  3. Tony F

    Tony F New Member

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    Yes I do meet the Biblical standards. I think the only area of improvement would be the "not a novice" I am learned but not as much as I want to be. That's why I definitly want to get the more formal training. The course work I am looking at contains surveys of the OT & NT as well as basic theology.

    I have met with my pastor and also discussed this with an assitant pastor as well. I have a good feeling the congregation respects my work, as I do receive some compliments for my Sunday School teaching. Praise God those middle school kids like me.

    Lots of that going on for sure!!

    Thanks for the input it is greatly appreciated. I realize that this is still a couple of years off for me, but just starting to work in that direction and gaining experience.

    I do have what I feel are some great ideas and visions. I see a need in my area for the type of church I would plant, if that would be what God calls me to do. I owned a curriculum business for a couple of years and gained alot of knowledge on what makes a church work, as far as the business end of things.
     
    #3 Tony F, Nov 8, 2002
  4. Rev. G

    Rev. G New Member

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    Keep pressing on, brother! I'd encourage you to especially listen to your pastor and fellow church members - keep on listening to them, that is. [​IMG] They need to discern a calling as well.

    Rev. G
     
    #4 Rev. G, Nov 9, 2002
  5. TomVols

    TomVols New Member

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    Definitely continue to study the Word. Read the best books on doctrine. Develop a mentoring relationship with a solid pastor. Above all, grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus. Do all this before wading out into the waters of ministry.
     
    #5 TomVols, Nov 11, 2002
  6. Circuitrider

    Circuitrider <img src=/circuitrider2.JPG>
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    It sounds like you have a good start on bible study and doctrine. Of course that is a lifelong pursuit for the person in ministry. [​IMG] The mentoring relationship with a good pastor/christian leader is almost as important as the doctrine. ;) It will save you a lot of failure and grief in the ministry. I would pursue that mentoring relationship and get some formal training. God bless you as you serve HIM.
     
    #6 Circuitrider, Nov 19, 2002
  7. Pastor Rick Geide

    Pastor Rick Geide New Member

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    Tony F,
    I am new to the Baptist Board, so I just read your post. I would like to suggest you read "Dear Preacher, Please Quit" by Roy L. Branson, Jr. published by Landmark Publications. I have been in the ministry for 25 years. It is not an easy road. You did not mention if you have been "called" to be a pastor or not. Taking a "spiritual gift test" is not being called of God. Unless you definitely know that you have been called into the pastorate, I would suggest you wait. We already have too many "self-called", "mommy-called", and "pastor-called" preachers in the pulpits today. I don't mean to discourage you, but just make sure you are "God-called" before you enter into the most rewarding and yet sometimes most heart-breaking ministries. God bless you on your calling, Pastor Rick Geide
     
    #7 Pastor Rick Geide, Dec 10, 2002
  8. SaggyWoman

    SaggyWoman Active Member

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    Stay involved in a variety of ministries. See what becomes your passion.
     
    #8 SaggyWoman, Dec 11, 2002
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