How I Became A Pastor
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Calling vs. Vocation
Recently someone asked me how I became a pastor. I thought I would share the answer particularly for those who are considering the ministry. I must preface this by saying, being a pastor is much more than a mere vocation. It is a calling. It's a high calling where divinity touches humanity with an eternal message of grace and hope.
I didn't just get up one day and say, "I think I'd like to pursue a theological degree and become a pastor." I truly believe it was in the heart of God long before it became a passion of mine. It was the predetermined purpose of God for my life. How thankful I am that He entrusted me with the life-changing message of His Word. I do not take that lightly.
From the time I was nine years old I knew I would one day be a preacher. This "call" came before I knew anything of the debate among some whether or not women were even supposed to be involved in ministry and most particularly be a pastor of a church. I often say I received my "call" before I knew whether or not homiletics or exegesis were to be rubbed on or taken by mouth.
Our family was musical and that was very much a part of my life growing up. I grew up singing in church and playing the piano. Sometimes I jokingly say, I guess it was just in my DNA as both of my grandfathers and my father were all pastors. People ask me when my ministry began and I have to respond I can't really remember because as far back as I can remember my parents involved me in the work of the Lord. My pulpit ministry, however, began when I was sixteen in the Post Marchand Church of God in Haiti. My parents were missionaries there and I was privileged to preach my "first sermon" (only ten minutes long) at a youth service.
My father was my mentor. Even though I received, after years of study, a Doctorate in Ministry, my greatest lessons and opportunities came as I observed, listened, followed the marvelous tutelage of a man who had dedicated his life to the ministry. My father had been a Minister of Music, an evangelist, a pastor, a missionary and the Overseer of the Churches of God in the Republic of Haiti. Of course, there were others who impacted my life but none greater than he.
There came a day after many years of almost following the exact ministerial path of my father I became the Senior Pastor of the 4th Avenue International Worship Center. It is my joy and my honor to serve them and now to mentor other pastors.
For those aspiring to pastor here are a few suggestions:
- Know that you are called by God to pastor. (Sometimes when things get tough that's all - your calling - you have to hold on to.)
- Be consistent in the spiritual disciplines- such as prayer, fasting, study of the Word, etc.
- Prepare. Whether Bible College, School of Ministry or Theological Seminary, we are living in a day when it is important to receive solid Biblical training. How can we teach others what we do not know ourselves?
- Find a real mentor. Someone who has experience and can not only train you but allow you to put into practice what you have learned. On the field training so to speak.
- Love people. You can never really be a true pastor unless you love and care for people.
- Remain humble. When success comes, never believe your own press.
- Be real. People can tell a phony a mile away.
- Walk in integrity.
- Seek wisdom. You're going to need it in dealing with the perplexities of life that people face.
- Always remember you are representing Christ so be like Him.
This is certainly not an exhaustive list but being a pastor is not a nine to five job. It is a 24/7 way of life. It is not what you do. It is who you are. Every believer in Christ can be involved in ministry but not everyone can be a pastor. Simply be who God has called you to be and when you do it will be great.
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Comments
Amen Diane when you said, "It is not what you do. It is who you are." Pastors can get so wrapped up in seeking to please people that they forget that their lives should first and foremost be a pleasure to God. It's who we are in the Lord that ultimately counts.
Excellent list of pastoral suggestions. I thoroughly enjoyed your hub!
Awesome, I am so thankful that I have had the privelage to experience number five as a member of 4th Avenue International Worship Center,the love concern and encouragement I have recieved from you only tells me that you answered the call and you are in the position God had outlined for your life.
As a lay member I appreciate your list and its specific order. Each point is so necessary to be a balanced pastor, but not only is your post good for someone wanting to be a pastor, it seems to me that it is also a great outline for any Christian to follow in his/her daily life. Thanks for a great post.
Ken, Gicky, No Doubt and Suzanne:
Thanks so much for taking the time to read "How I Became A Pastor" and for your marvelous comments. I do not take it lightly. Though it certainly was not an exhaustive list, perhaps it will be a blessing. Thanks again for your input.
I enjoyed your post on how you became a pastor. You mentioned in your post a debate about the role of women in ministry. There are many women in ministry who I love to listen to. I believe however also, that the writings of Timothy in his first and second epistile were inspired by God. With that in mind, I would be interested in what you would do with the third chapter of first Timothy.
I have been involved in ministry all my life ~ just never had the opportunity to go to college (Seminary) ~ oh, it would be such a wonderful thing to do this all the time!! It's my natural passion, for God, to teach, lead, encourage and love others. I am so proud of you and just love you because you represent all I could hope to be! I will just keep doing what I have been called to do, and grow as the Lord makes the way! Be blessed!!
Thanks, Judah's Daughter for reading my hub. I'm honored to meet someone who has been involved in ministry all of their life. I know you are a great blessing to many people. I so enjoyed reading your hubs. May God's choicest blessings continue to rest upon you as you follow Him. Blessings!
Hi, mcrutchfield.
Thanks for your welcome response to "How I Became A Pastor." I appreciate your comments and do agree that the I Timothy 3 is most definitely the inspired Word of God. Will be delighted to address this further in future blogs. Suffice to say, however, in a brief synopsis of the text you referred to, it is speaking about "bishops" of which I am not in any sense of the word.
I am thankful for the great privilege I have been given to pastor not only by God but also by my denomination. Based on much research and biblical study I feel comfortable with my assignment. This marks the 28th year of full-time ministry. I am blessed.
Again, thanks so much for your most welcome input.
This is a wonderful, direct, honest expression of becoming a pastor. I admire your dedication and focus on feeding the world pure truth and love that all reflects God our creator. I have prayed about my "destiny" and God showed me in front of the pulpit with a robe on and so young and happy. It bothered me that vision because I was not ready for it. Fear kept me from obtaining a degree. But, God is great and his works always get done. He's got me preaching, teaching, motivating and encouraging everywhere I can and where he sends me the Holy Spirit takes right over and the love I have for him and the truth just comes right on out. I don't know if I will ever be behind that pulpit, but, I do know is that where ever God points me that's where I go and speak his words. I love this article, can't say I have read anything quite like this from a woman's perspective. I appreciate your honesty and integrity and all you do for our Creator. I pray your heart continues to grow and overflow with the love and word of God into the lives of all who are in such need of it. In Jesus name. I pray. Amen.
I am delighted you were blessed by the article "How I Became A Pastor." I was so moved by your testimony and also by the way you are using the gifts given by the Lord for His glory. All I can say to you is continue to walk through the open doors He has set before you. If I were you I think I'd go ahead and "get the robe." When God calls us to something He will definitely bring it to pass. Thanks for your prayers and your encouragement, my friend and colleague in the ministry.
hOw wonderful to be called into the misnistry. i am not worthy. All I can do is minister as i go along. But I wish I could be called to be a minister. What a blessed life. But God has his pruposes for me, and I'm satisfied with that God bless you and i wish you the best in Christ
Linda,
None of us are worthy. It is only through the blood of Canaan's King and Calvary's Lamb, Jesus Christ that we are "accepted in the beloved." Truthfully, ministry is really servanthood. All of us have a ministry. Whether behind the pulpit or at the market-place when we represent the love and grace of Jesus we are His ministers. Indeed, God has a purpose for you and it is great. Thank you so much for your most welcome input.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I approve of women in the ministry and wish more would see their calling.
Thank you Silver Poet for stopping by and giving your welcome input. It is my great joy and honor to be a woman in ministry and pray that I will be a blessing and encouragement to others who have a desire and passion to share the good news of the gospel.
I Thank God for YOU!!!! Being a woman Pastor/Dr. I have been challenge and questioned about my position. I love working outside of the Church. I am a Outreach Pastor/Counselor. I tell all who ask that I am not going to miss my blessing, I was called! You were called and you didn't miss your blessing!! YES!!! I am honored to be your FAN!!! God Bless You Always!! Luv Luv
drpastorcarlotta -
Always great to hear from you and to hear of your wonderful ministry. May God's choicest blessings continue to rest upon you as you accomplish His assignment in your life. Your input is always welcome here.
I thank you for sharing a part of your life gowing up in Haiti and how your Dad was a prime example of being a true witness and disciple of Christ! Thank for the simple steps in keeping on track when called to the Highest Calling there is! I am looking forward to reading all your past and future hubs.
Thanks, Heavensgates for your welcome input. My dad was indeed my hero (next to Jesus, of course) and was an awesome mentor and choice example of servant/leadership. He has gone on to be with the Lord and his gentle influence stills impacts me to this day. Blessings.
Ken R. Abell says:
2 months ago
Good Hub & real good advice. Your number one is exactly correct. With eighteen years of pastoral experience, I often counsel young people exploring ministry to get alone with God & make sure the call is real because on many, many day being true to that call will be the only thing you'll have to hang onto. Be blessed & encouraged in all your writing & ministry endeavors.