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Preparing for the ministry

Discussion in '2000-02 Archive' started by Pete Richert, Aug 19, 2002.

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  1. Pete Richert

    Pete Richert New Member

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    I think a long time ago I told you all that I was finishing undergrad and was torn between entering the ministry (through seminary that is) or continueing in my present field of engineering through graduate school. It was a tough choice for me for my desire for both was very strong. At one time I even "decided" to become a pastor and started filling out applications only to have my mind changed later by my spiritual mentor over a lunch we had. After I made the decision I realized it was the defintily the right one for I was no where near the spiritual maturity I would need to effectivly minister, and though I was intelligent and good at subjects within academia (such as Greek, history, etc) I did not quite feel the ability to love, sheperd, lead, and ultimatly be responsible for the people of God. I finish graduate school and now work full time at Sun Microsystems.

    However, I still have the dream of being called to full time ministry and have hope that God's calling lays in the future. I feel in a good ten or fifteen years God might indeed lead me down that path, when I am more trustworthy a servent, more secure in my faith, more obediant, and frankly, have seen a little more of the real world outside school. I will hopefully also be more finacially secure and able to provide for my family while attending three years or more of seminary.

    So I know this question will provoke a multitude of different answers, but how can I personally prepare over the coming years? I feel first and formost I should pray, and cultivate my relationship with God, second study the Bible, and third, perhaps follow and or assist the pastor of whatever Church I land in the coming future (I'm moving soon). Is there anything else you seasoned boys recommend?
     
    #1 Pete Richert, Aug 19, 2002
  2. SaggyWoman

    SaggyWoman Active Member

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    My question is...what are you waiting for? If that is what God called you to do, you need to be doing or preparing to do what God has called you to do.
     
    #2 SaggyWoman, Aug 19, 2002
  3. Circuitrider

    Circuitrider <img src=/circuitrider2.JPG>
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    I have had the opportunity to help and encourage a number of young men who are where you are. I would advise you to get involved in ministry in your local church. Be available to serve in every way possible. Help with VBS, Bible Club, children's church, Sunday school, cut the grass, participate in work days, go visiting on prospects, disciple a new convert, knock on doors for contacts, etc. That is the ministry!! :eek: If you begin doing those things in your church and God wants you to be a fulltime pastor yourself, then he will open that door. In the meantime you will be already involved in ministry. Many effective pastors started out as "gofers" in their own local church. ;)
     
    #3 Circuitrider, Aug 20, 2002
  4. Pastork

    Pastork New Member

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    Pete,

    Before I would dare advise one in your position, I think I would need some more information. For example, what kind of ministry involvement have you had thus far? What has been the reaction of the church to that ministry? Have others been saying things like, "Hey, Pete, I really think you should consider pastoral ministry"? What have your pastors told you? Also, why do you desire to be a pastor? You seem to think you do not have a pastor's heart, so why do you think God may want you to do this? Have you ever thought about the old advice to prospective pastors (from Spurgeon, I think) that "if you can be happy doing anything else, then go do that"? Have you thought about whether or not desire and calling are the same thing? These are the kind of things I would want to discuss in helping you to assess the Lord's working in your life.

    Pastork

    [ August 20, 2002, 06:43 PM: Message edited by: Pastork ]
     
    #4 Pastork, Aug 20, 2002
  5. TomVols

    TomVols New Member

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    First of all, do you fit the character descriptions found in 1 Tim 3 for elders?

    Second, what was it that your mentor said that changed your mind?

    Third, can you do anything else? If you can do anything else other than preach the Bible and pastor, do it. If not, then consider responding to the call.

    I struggled for years with this and have counseled those who have as well. I'd love to chat with you about this. PM or email me.
     
    #5 TomVols, Aug 21, 2002
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