It is important to inform your family of what is going on in your life as you pursue the direction God is leading you. They have spent much time praying, thinking about, preparing for and investing in your future. The journey that you are on is exciting, but not always clear. If it is not clear for you, imagine how unclear it is for your family. Help them understand that you are committing your life to following Christ, wherever He leads you. Let them know that you may not know for certain your long term vocation, but you do know that you are committing your life to follow God in whatever vocation He wants for your life.

If they would like, make a copy of this CD so that they can learn what you are learning about ministry. In the days ahead, as always, keep your family informed about every stage of your growth and the relationships that you are developing.

Teach them what you are learning, and don’t shy away from expressing freely what God is doing in your life without forcing it on them or expecting them to be where you are spiritually. Remember, the rhythm of God is different in everyone’s life! Your calling should not change your friendships, your calling should revolutionize your friendships. You should look at each relationship in your life as a person that God loves and God wants you to encourage and love. You are not called to be the resident moral voice in your circle of friends, but God has called you to live for Christ in every group of people, including your friends.

Again, the journey you are on is exciting, but not always clear. If it is not clear for you, imagine how unclear it is for the people around you. Let them know you may not know for certain your long term vocation, but you do know you are committing your life to follow God in whatever vocation He wants for your life.

If you are afraid you now have to dress like and act like your pastor all the time, don’t worry. God uniquely crafted you. You are His workmanship. He created you and gifted you with a specific purpose in mind that requires you to be exactly who you are. If something in your life needs “tweeking,” God will guide you to make the adjustments necessary; but He doesn’t expect you to “cookie-cutter” yourself into a stereotype. A call to ministry is not a call to become like another person, it is a call to follow Christ wherever He leads you and however He changes you.

Perhaps the question should be, “Can I go to Mozambique?” God calls all believers to ministry. Ministry, in your life, may or may not mean full time vocational missions, but you should be looking for ways to serve God globally or to increase your awareness of God at work in the nations. Our lives are about His glory wherever He calls us to serve. Many people serve God in their home country, but everyone is called to get the message of Jesus to every nation.

Yes, if God leads you that direction. No, if He does not. The key to ministry is always following the leadership of God through the journey of life. Many people in ministry should participate in some kind of structured religious education. If you will be teaching any age of people the Bible, you should know as much about the Bible as you can possibly learn. But, any person who follows Christ should be well informed about ministering to people.

Ask other people that you know and trust if they think you should be at a Christian university or seminary. Remember, ultimately you must follow God’s leadership, but God often works through the people around us and through wise counselors. No matter what path you take, become a life-time learner. Gain new experiences, develop relationships with believers who can help you grow, and study any and all resources that can benefit you spiritually or professionally.

For the answers to more of your questions, complete the Bible study on this CD and check out the biographical testimonies located in the sidebar to the left.