You’ve heard it a dozen times or more. You are familiar with the terminology. You know how to talk about it. But how do you really know if entering ministry is your calling?
What the Bible Says
It is a common enough phrase to say that someone has found his or her calling, but where does that term come from? It comes to us from a variety of places in the Bible, but the most relevant verse is found in 1 Corinthians 12. This chapter is focused on spiritual gifts and how each of us has something unique we can use to bring glory to God.
So how do you know if you are being called to ministry? Odds are that if you are considering attending seminary you have an idea about your calling already. But if you aren’t sure, ask yourself a few questions:
- Are you passionate about impacting the lives of others?
- Do you have integrity?
- Have others been encouraging you to go into ministry?
If you think about ministry and get that feeling–you know the one–that little sensation deep down in your core that’s half excitement, half fear and you know that more than anything you want to change people’s lives for the better, then ministry is probably the right place for you. If you have the guts and integrity to admit that you aren’t perfect but have the determination to keep moving forward, then ministry is probably the right place for you. If friends, family, and coworkers are encouraging you to enter into ministry–well, you get the idea.
Next Step
If you know that you are called to ministry or if you are still mulling it over, the best thing you can do is pray and seek the counsel of mentors that you trust. Then when you find yourself ready to take the next step, contact Colorado Theological Seminary. Our online programs have what it takes to prepare you and help you grow into the ministry professional you are meant to be.