6 Critical Questions to Ask Yourself before Pursuing a Career in Ministry
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Perhaps while other kids were playing school, hospital, cops-and-robbers, or soldier games, you played “church,” setting up chairs for pews and pretending you were the pastor. Or perhaps you had no desire at all to go into the ministry, but one day God spoke powerfully into your heart, stirring your soul and setting everything into motion.
Whatever the reason, you have found yourself at a crossroads, and now you’re deep in contemplation: Should I go to seminary? Could I really pursue a career in God’s church?
Careers in ministry are often unique, and the needed skill sets vary, so unlike other career paths, it can be difficult to determine whether or not this is a good fit for your life and whether this is what God truly has in mind for you.
Given this, here are six questions to ask yourself before pursuing a career in ministry.
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1. Why Am I Considering a Career in Ministry?
Where did this idea originate? Is this something my parents, spouse, or mentor wants me to do, or is this a genuine desire within me?
A career in ministry is a special role, and most people who enter the ministry do so because they feel called to it, whether by hearing the voice of the Lord or by slowly realizing, over time, that this is where God has been steering them. Ministry careers can be difficult and draining. There is also much responsibility, for you are doing the Lord’s work and representing Jesus. It’s not a good idea to enter the ministry cavalierly, or because you think it will have a financial benefit. God gifts those he calls into ministry with the skills they need. If he is not calling you, you won’t have the needed gifts to do the job right, and you will likely be dissatisfied or frustrated — or both.
2. What Are My Spiritual Gifts?
The Bible tells us that God gives the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in each of us in different ways through what are called “spiritual gifts.” These are meant to build up the common good and work together so that God’s church is strong and fruitful.
As the apostle Paul, in his first letter to the early church in Corinth, explains, “To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines” (1 Corinthians 12:8-11).
Later, in Romans 12:6-8, he says, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”
Consider what gift God has given to you. You might have more than one gift. There are quizzes you can take online that can help you determine your gift, but you should also pray about it as you work to discern your gifts, as well as ask others to give you an honest assessment.
You might deeply admire the gift of teaching, but maybe you’re not gifted in this way. Or perhaps you want desperately to have the gift of healing, but an honest assessment reveals you actually have the gift of wisdom or knowledge.
Knowing your spiritual gifts will help you determine your career path within the ministry.
Related article: A Comprehensive Spiritual Gifts List to Discover Your Gifts and Calling
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3. What Area of the Ministry Makes Me Feel Most Excited Deep in My Soul?
There are a number of ways to serve the Lord in ministry. While “pastor” is the one that typically comes to mind, there are many more beyond this, including youth minister, missionary, teacher, counselor, chaplain, ministry director, or curriculum leader.
Consider both your spiritual gifts as well as the many different areas of ministry. Do you assume you should be the pastor simply because this is the only role you know about right now? Or would another area perhaps be a better fit for your particular skills, gifts, and calling?
Spend time in prayerful discernment, as well as in discussion with others, about where God might be leading you.
Many times, you’ll begin to feel a stirring deep within your soul when you are settling on the right area. This might not be the most convenient role for you, and maybe it requires an uncomfortable step. For instance, perhaps you are an introvert, but you genuinely feel God calling you to pastoral care that would require you to be around people quite a bit.
Even if it makes you uncomfortable, don’t rule it out. Remember: God equips the called (Exodus 4:10-11).
4. Do I Represent the Lord Well, or Am I Prepared to Represent Him Well?
In 2 Corinthians 5:20, the apostle Paul reminds us that Christians are Christ’s ambassadors, his representatives. As he says, it is “as though God were making his appeal through us.” Therefore, it’s important that we realize the way we live our lives will reflect how people also view God’s church.
No one is perfect. But you do want to be a person of integrity who is prepared to be obedient to God. If you are not mature in your faith, and you still have some serious questions about the critical aspects of Christianity’s core values, take some time to grow before you make the leap into ministry.
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5. Is My Household in Order?
In this same vein, consider your household. Are you married with children? If so, is your household reflective of a godly home? Does your family go to church, and do you have strong and healthy relationships with your spouse and children?
If you are unmarried, but you have a close circle of friends or family members, consider whether they are respectable, godly people who will help you represent the church well.
This isn’t just about appearances — in 1 Timothy 3, the apostle Paul offers a number of tips for what a well-managed household will look like. If you are not capable of managing your household well, how can you expect to manage God’s church well? For example, a church leader should he faithful, self-controlled, hospitable, and teachable, “not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money” (1 Timothy 3:3).
Similarly, be sure your family is on board with your ministry goals. If your spouse is not supportive of your decision to pursue a career in the ministry, you should seriously consider whether this is a sign that God has other plans for your career.
6. Am I Prepared for the Demands?
The ministry is wonderful but can also be extremely challenging. In 1 Peter 5:8, we’re warned that the devil “prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Be sure you are aware of this going into the ministry. Take measures to strengthen your prayer life, eat well, exercise, get enough sleep, and do other things to cultivate good self-care so you can be as strong as possible to resist the wiles of the devil.
Satan often likes to use the church to accomplish his evil plans. Do all you can to prevent this from happening with you.
As Ephesians 6:10-11 urges, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
There are many more questions you will probably contemplate as you take this journey. But these should get you started. May God bless and guide you well as you walk with him.
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