How do you know if you are being called to become an ordained priest/pastor?

Question

It's really quite confusing to me. I always felt a strong calling to be a Protestant pastor (I'm a woman). The parish pastor even broached the subject with me when I was a teenager, having had no idea that I was actually thinking about it.

I decided against it for various reasons as a young unmarried woman. Now I am married with 2 young children, but still feel as if I should
have gone through with it. Of course it's not too late, but is it still possible?

I've been a church organist for 6 years now... guess I never lost the desire to serve in the Church.

Thank you in advance for your help!

Answer 1

Arysa,

Perhaps it would help your decision to consider a question. Do you think that becoming a religious leader will draw you closer to God? In the end, that will be the only thing that matters. I too, was faced with this choice. I, like you, have a few sprirtual gifts, and love the Lord. All of the denominations are always trying to find good people to staff their churches. I struggled with it for about two years. I finally asked God, what He thought about it. Duh. What took me so long? He told me, in His own way, that if I did take the position of Pastor, we would not be as close. I nearly fell over. He explained that clergy, seldom have time for God's favorite activities, like long walks together, ministering to our families, and just plain being friends with people who don't know Him yet. He said that I could reach just as many, if not more of His lost children, without the considerable burdens of being a church employee. Jesus, after all was not an ordained pastor, or minister. He did not need a building, or a congregation, to share the message, "The Kingdom of God, is within you". Your children are your flock. Care for them, and always surround them with His love. It is enough.

Answer 2

Well I am just gonna be plain when I say God never called women to be priest/pastors. 1 Timothy 3: 1-16. Read all that hun. The start of that is If a MAN desire the office of a bishop, HE desireth a good work. Bishop in the greek means Overseer. Read Acts 20:1-38. Verse 17 and verse 28 is the main verse I want you to see. In verse 17 paul called the elders of the church, and he begins to talk to them. In verse 28 He made them overseers of the church. Notice it wasnt a woman. A prophetess is not the same as a overseer. She was one who had inspired utterances. Thats in the greek dictionary. Hope this helped you understand what God said.

Answer 3

I know it can be really hard to be able to tell if God wants you to do something or not. I read something a while ago that tries to help with figuring out if God is calling you to do something or not, I'll list it and you can see if it helps you...

First, check the Bible, and see if what you are thinking of doing is scripturally right. I certainly don't see anything wrong with becoming a pastor, but it'd be best for you to check for yourself, lol.

Second, is what you're thinking of right? It's not leading to breaking morals and a lack of integrity, is it? Again, don't think being a pastor would do that. ^_^

Third, is it providential? This one is hard to explain for me... are the doors opening and allowing you to easily become a pastor? If there's no positions anywhere for a pastor and you'd have to really struggle to become one, perhaps it's not the time. If there just happens to be a pastor opening perfect for you, then really consider it. This is something you'd have to think of on your own...

Lastly, is it reasonable? You mentioned that you're married with 2 children now, becoming a pastor wouldn't cause extreme hardships for your family, would it? You shouldn't have to do drastic things to have your idea come true...

That's what I read, and it sounded like good advice to me. Think on it, and decide if this helps you. Good luck on figuring it out! And praying about it never hurt! ^_^

Answer 4

I think you already know the answer to yuor question, don't you? Flip a coin to decide, right now. Are you relieved or disappointed by the outcome? Next question- do you have the courage to live with your choice?

This is not a question anyone else can answer for you. If you are chosen for a life of service to humanity, you have no choice. I consider the calling to be that from which you cannot walk away.

Answer 5

Desiring to be a pastor is good, but not in the protestant denomination, but in the Church of God.

http://www.angdatingdaan.org
http://www.angdatingdaan.tv

Answer 6

I just watched a show this morning with someone that had three sons and she had decided to follow her dream and become a protestant pastor.

Actually, she was very touching. She wanted to serve people and show her love for mankind.

It is still possible.
I wish you well in your pursuit.

Answer 7

The Holy Spirit will let you know and will opend up the doors for you if that is God's will, remember that there are tons of ways that you can serve the Lord. And God has given the gifts of the Holy Spirit among his people. just pray for guidance to see which one is yours.

God bless!

Answer 8

(1 Corinthians 14:33-35) 33 For God is [a God], not of disorder, but of peace. As in all the congregations of the holy ones, 34 let the women keep silent in the congregations, for it is not permitted for them to speak, but let them be in subjection, even as the Law says. 35 If, then, they want to learn something, let them question their own husbands at home, for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in a congregation.
paul was talking about teaching in the congregation,
jesus refered to it as a jesabell influence

Answer 9

God will keep talking to you in different ways and you'll feel the call if its to be