Call to Ministry
My call to ministry has developed and grown through personal experience, the affirmation of other Christians in my life, and my continued opportunities in ministry. Today I feel more sure of my calling than I ever have before and I am looking forward to a future call to a church.
My father is a pastor so I knew from a very early age that there was a God and that good and evil were more than just rules my parents made. I grew up knowing all the Bible stories, but it was at a summer camp presentation when I was around six years old that I first understood the need for, and made, a response to Christ. I was baptized several years later, and continued to grow in my understanding of the Christian faith as I grew older.
In high school I recommitted my life to Christ, after a difficult time in middle school, and I began to feel God's call on me to full time ministry. This call came partly through a school Bible study that I led. I was able to lead a growing number of students in looking at God's word during my years in high school, and to pass on that role to another student when I graduated.
In my senior year, my home church had a mid-week service designed to let the men who felt that they might be called into ministry to explore that calling. The experience of preaching at that service confirmed in me my calling to ministry and also gave opportunity for those around me to see and confirm my calling as well. The affirmation of other Christians has been a continuing influence on my sense of calling as those who know me encourage me to minister.
In college I was involved in a Fellowship of Christian Athletes group, where I was involved in leadership with college kids. At the same time I attended a church plant, where I was mentored by a couple of the dedicated Christian men in the church.
My time in seminary really helped cement my call to ministry, as I was able to study the Bible at a much deeper level and meet with other similar minded young men. The relationships with other students there and conversations with pastors and teachers continued to affirm my call to ministry.
Last summer I was pastoring at Living Hope Church in Grand Junction, CO as interim pastor during the pastor's sabbatical. It was a great time to get into ministry and helped me build experience and confidence in the daily life of the church. My time here has cemented my call to ministry and left me looking forward to a future call to a church.