The Conviction to be a pastor, Split between two roads.?

Question

I just graduated from high school and attending a college right now. Ever since I've became a Christian, I have always had a conviction and desires to go into a full time ministry. My dream is to minister in North Korea and Japan, as well as in the States. I am fully aware that being called to become a pastor is a prestigious road with demand to be selfless to lead the congregation. And yes, I had my doubts, and often, I feel very unqualified to answer His great call. But I also know that His grace sustains every single souls, and I firmly believe that there is a reason and purpose that God has planted in me a desire to be a pastor.

Throughout my life, my family have been struggling financially, and I just found out that my parents won't be able to afford to pay my tuitions. Hence, I am standing on the split road of choices- Go to the army, or get an enormous student loan.

Army sounds good, but because of its long years, I fear that it might hinder me in my calling.Please Pray!

Also, please pray that that God will give me a conviction to approach this issue with biblical knowledge and in spirit(prayer). Please pray that I will make decision selflessly with a kingdom perspective... and Also please pray that I will be faithful and may I cling to His plan, because he loved me first.

Romans 8:28, Romans 12:12, James 1:2-5


FYI:I am currently majoring in Math/2ndary education to become a high school teacher.

Thank you! and God Bless!!

Oh and... another FYI: I am not an American Citizen. and in my country (Korea) every male citizens is obligated to serve in the army.... So i thought I might as well as go to the American army (You dont need to be a citizen to join the military).

Please keep me in prayer!! :)!

Answer 1

GOD says:YOU SHALL NOT KILL!

Answer 2

Have you ever heard of
Pastor Paul Yungi Cho? The
last time I heard, he was the
Pastor of the largest pentecostal church in South
Korea. He and congregation
are the most praying and devoted group I have ever heard of. If you contact him,
I'm almost certain they will
sponsor your Christian education. If you must serve
in the military, do it in the Korean. Our military is no
longer what it used to be.
Be extremely careful what
church you become affiliated
with because the modern
church is now full of "wolves".
I believe your heart is pure,
and therefore a week of
fasting and prayer is in order.
Must I remind you that the Lord is not bound by man's
laws. You really don't need
any Army or any student loan.
A piece of paper saying you
are an educated Pastor does
not make you a better Pastor.
If He has called you...He
will send you...and He will
provide the way. May the
powerful blessings of the Lord be upon you!!!!

Answer 3

I wanted to be a minister most of my life as well. I was not allowed to become one, as my parents would have stopped paying my tuition. I have learned that I can still minister in small ways. When I share my beliefs on this site, and I find out that someone has received a seed of faith, then I have ministered to someone, or maybe more than one. I share what I believe when ever I can. I do not shove it upon anyone, but if they get something from it then I have done what I have felt called to do. Also if I live my life as I believe The God with many names wants me to, then my life becomes a message.
I hope this makes a difference for you.
Blessed Be and may Peace be with you

Answer 4

You're right about the citizenship in the service - you don't need to be an American citizen. Have you considered checking into one of the Chaplaincy programs for the military? Depending on which denomination you are under, you could check with that church and see if they would be willing to send you to school and/or to be a minister in the service as a Chaplain.
Another thought would be to serve enough time in the military, go to school on the GI bill and get your ministerial credentials. Good luck and God bless you!

Answer 5

"Would the U.S. Army (67-71) make it easier to get to the states to evangelize? Don't you gain citizenship doing that?
Have you heard of the Pastor's call in the army. There are clergy men serving in the army as ministers and counselors. If you don't have enough education to be an officer you can still be a clergy helper and serve.
At the same time you can be working on your studies, getting academics out of the way.
There's a place for you in the ministry but sometimes you have to overcome much.

Answer 6

Look at the Apostle Paul...He would tell you, and as a matter of fact he does say, that he was the least to be qualified to be a follower of Jesus because of all he had done....Look at Moses, he had a speech impediment and had to have his brother speak for him and yet look how God used him....

God doesn't ask for your qualifications, He asks for your willingness to serve Him....If you have a desire to be a pastor then God put that there. Have you heard the saying if "God calls you He will equip you?"...It's true...But, anything with God requires one major thing....."Faith"....without it you can do NOTHING!...Now, you can't sit back and wait for faith to come to you...you HAVE TO take the first step in faith. Once you take the first step then God will meet you...

If God is in it then you don't have to pick between the Army or God...God don't need the Army to help you along. As you already know, God don't NEED you or I or anybody else to do His will, but He likes working through us if we will let Him... Tell God that you are His, tell Him you want Him to use you, and even though He already knows it, tell Him you need help financially...He will provide you with everything you need to accomplish His will...If you are to be a pastor then you should already know these basic truths...

Give your life to Him...FOLLOW His leading....Remember, He's the shepard and He takes care of his flock....I wish you well, I pray that God uses you mightily for His kingdom...

Answer 7

Depending upon which branch of service which you choose to enlist in......get info from recruiters from different branches.It is possible to pursue your calling in the military also. You will be given a "dream-sheet" to specify which type of job that you would want to do, once you are in the military., and if you want to stay stateside in America or go abroad into another contry, depending upon if there is a military base located there.Different branches offer more for smarter/ better test scores than others. Marines are 1st line of defense, by land and by sea, so they are the 1st to get called to war. Marines are not known as free-thinkers, so they are not as encouraged to do any thinking without a group effort. The Navy is by sea and 2nd line of defense, test scores must be higher to pick career field. In the Marines and Navy, you must be a strong swimmer or bootcamp will be impossible to pass otherwise.The Coastguard is by sea also, and higher test scores requirements. The Army is the 1st line of defense by land and very little brain cells are required to enlist. The Army will get you into excellent shape with a lot of crawling around on the ground and sleeping in the elements in all terains and weather. The Air force are considered the thinkers of the military and more jobs are offered in comfortable surroundings than all of the branches of military.Large college funding is offered as a form of recruitment. Do your homework on all of these branches before deciding on anything. when speaking to a recruiter, get it in writting, because they are not known for telling all the truth. In fact, you should consider the merits of all the military more than any other career . The military is a happening place during peace times, otherwise you would have to go to war.War does not bring peace.too many people die tragically.The military needs clergy, and religion is a vital part of defending this country. May God Bless you in all your endeavors.

Answer 8

First let me say strudds may have a partial point. To be a Military Chaplain you need a degree and you need to be Ordained.. However if you become a Chaplain's Assistant (thats an enlisted position) you could get a feel for the ministry. You could then see if it is the right calling for you, and then apply your military training toward college in the field of Ministry

Answer 9

If you were my son, I would suggest you finish your college education before making any other big life altering decisions. There are all kinds of financial aid available for you to finish. The education you receive will no doubt make you a better Pastor, if that is what you want to do with your life. You can take some courses on Religion and the Bible too! Also, a study of the countries you are feeling led to minister to would be a great asset! Study their culture, religions, people, government, geography, ect. All of these studies will make you better prepared for your ministry....good luck and Blessings!

Answer 10

How about Navy chaplain? I think they would pay for your education, too.

Whatever way you go, you need to exercise faith. Faith that doors will open, bills will be paid, you will be kept from injury, etc.

God will lead and guide you. After you make the decision, don't second-guess yourself. Don't look back. Just say, "Jesus, I commit this to you. I cannot go back and do anything different now. You know I want to serve you and I pray that you would take care of me."

Just honestly tell the Lord that you will do His will and trust that He will show you if you are making a big mistake! And He will! Remember, you are His child and He will not abandon you or forsake you.

god bless

Answer 11

How is taking up arms and killing other human beings in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ. I think you should ask yourself if Jesus would take the quick money and Join the army or would he look for the way of peace.
I know that this sounds UNamerican and Im sure you have been told that fighting for your counrty is a good thing. Maybe it is. But are you a Christian on planet earth? or are you an american who want to get cheap OIL.?
A pastor I think is held to a higher standard dont you.
Maybe your God and Jesus is ok with dropping bombs on poor brown people. HUMAN BEINGS and children of God. I think thats what you need to ask yourself.