For the pastors out there: How did you really know that coming into the ministry was the right thing to do?

Question

I suppose I'm looking more for advice that you can pass on to a woman who thinks she needs to make a change and go into the ministry.

Answer 1

I'm a minister, though not Christian. For me it came down to how many people were seeking my counsel and teaching.

As it grew beyond just every week or so, I began to realize that I was being called to a ministry rather than just practicing alone.

I suspect that may be the definition of a calling; rather than acting on a desire to lead, when that position is thrust upon you, when people are seeking you out for enlightenment, it seems that's a sort of calling that is something less than subjective.

Are you the sort of person that people would have ministering to them? Do they tell you that you should go into ministry because you have something that they want? Do you want to serve more than to be served? Does the Prayer of St. Francis apply in your life?

I suspect that if service is your calling, you probably know. If, on the other hand, you are out to change the world because you know better than most, if you are seeking to boost yourself, then maybe ministry isn't your place.

Edit to AiW
Just seeing AiW's post, Doesn't he make lots of assumptions? Those were Paul's words, not Christ's. And who, by the way said anything about Christian ministry? This person may have meant that, but didn't say it outright. And as for all of the Christian women who happen to be pastors.... are they doing things wrong? Your interpretation of the Bible may not be the sole one, or are you actually speaking for God here? I'd certainly hate to see you with a woman boss.

Answer 2

1 Tim 2:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

You aren't allowed to.

Edit to Deirdre:
You're right. I assumed that she meant Christian ministry. I am unfamiliar with anyone using the term ministry in a religious context to mean anything other than Christianity.

These are Paul's words. You are correct, but these words are not the only ones in which Christianity devalues women.
http://www.ffrf.org/nontracts/women.php

If God didn't want Paul's words in the Bible then why are they there? You can find all kinds of disrespect for women throughout the Bible. The reason is that the Bible was written by ignorant, sexist, slavery endorsing, barbaric cavemen who couldn't even make toast. I totally disagree with the above passage and most of what the Bible has to say period..It just baffles me that a woman could even be a Christian nevertheless want to spread the Bible's hateful intolerant message.

Feel free to contact me for further discussion.

Answer 3

This had a lot to do with the type of ministry a person thinks they are being called to, so a discussion with someone already in the ministry that person is seeking would be a great first step. Primarily, I would say, that a minister is 'called' by others...is recognized by others... if often pushed (gently or not) in that direction. It is not a job, it is a willingness to be present to others on their journeys, to love, encourage, listen. A person who is called to chaplaincy is a different kind of minister than a missionary, who is a different kind of minister than a pastor who preaches.... Best wishes on her discernment.