I am a 25 year old man who, knowing he is called into pastoral ministry, is unsure as to how to arrange my life at this particular moment.
Spiritually, I grew up in the Calvary Chapel non-denominational denomination; so, of course, I was not exactly encouraged to pursue seminary-type education. Through them, however, I did take complete a two-year program, with courses that used some reformed textbooks (specifically in preaching lab and hermeneutics). Looking back, I learned a lot; in fact, it was their instruction in some of these areas that was used of God, ultimately, to awaken me to reformed theology. For the past four years I have led college-age ministries, and taught a number of Sabbath Bible studies. In my own personal life, I devour solid, reformed resources; giving a minumum of 15-25 hours of study for the sake of pastoral knowledge and wisdom a week, while working full-time to finish paying off debts I accrued as an unbeliever.
I recently dropped membership at a Baptist church due to my being reformed. Unfortunately, there is not a single reformed church within 90 miles of where I live. The pastor was calvinistic, but terribly dispensational. Anyways, I enjoyed the family there, but I know it was right for me to leave. My dilemma is that now I do not have a place to excercise my gifting, and to develop my calling; and so it's left me a bit concerned with where I am to go from here.
Here is what I am really wrestling with right now. My family is encouraging me to pursue a descent career-type job, such as becoming a police officer, and to wait until God seems to present me with a pastoral opportunity. They believe I just need to get my debt paid off, and then possibly look into ministry-related schooling, etc. Another option would be to pursue ministry through the "Sovereign Grace" network of churches, which is led by C.J. Mahaney. This would mean I would have to move 90 miles east, intern at a Sovereign Grace church, and after spending some time there, and receiving a recommendation from their elders, going to the SG's "Pastor's School". From the PS I would be placed into a church somewhere.
Does this sound like a no-brainer? Part of me is so sure; but the other half thinks I could possibly get hired as a cop, save money, and eventually have the finances to pursue a degree (Im opposed to the idea of me going into a ridiculous amount of debt). As a cop I wouldn't be able to lead my current study consistently, due to the demands of the schedule. Any wisdom for me would be appreciated; especially from church elders and leaders.
Spiritually, I grew up in the Calvary Chapel non-denominational denomination; so, of course, I was not exactly encouraged to pursue seminary-type education. Through them, however, I did take complete a two-year program, with courses that used some reformed textbooks (specifically in preaching lab and hermeneutics). Looking back, I learned a lot; in fact, it was their instruction in some of these areas that was used of God, ultimately, to awaken me to reformed theology. For the past four years I have led college-age ministries, and taught a number of Sabbath Bible studies. In my own personal life, I devour solid, reformed resources; giving a minumum of 15-25 hours of study for the sake of pastoral knowledge and wisdom a week, while working full-time to finish paying off debts I accrued as an unbeliever.
I recently dropped membership at a Baptist church due to my being reformed. Unfortunately, there is not a single reformed church within 90 miles of where I live. The pastor was calvinistic, but terribly dispensational. Anyways, I enjoyed the family there, but I know it was right for me to leave. My dilemma is that now I do not have a place to excercise my gifting, and to develop my calling; and so it's left me a bit concerned with where I am to go from here.
Here is what I am really wrestling with right now. My family is encouraging me to pursue a descent career-type job, such as becoming a police officer, and to wait until God seems to present me with a pastoral opportunity. They believe I just need to get my debt paid off, and then possibly look into ministry-related schooling, etc. Another option would be to pursue ministry through the "Sovereign Grace" network of churches, which is led by C.J. Mahaney. This would mean I would have to move 90 miles east, intern at a Sovereign Grace church, and after spending some time there, and receiving a recommendation from their elders, going to the SG's "Pastor's School". From the PS I would be placed into a church somewhere.
Does this sound like a no-brainer? Part of me is so sure; but the other half thinks I could possibly get hired as a cop, save money, and eventually have the finances to pursue a degree (Im opposed to the idea of me going into a ridiculous amount of debt). As a cop I wouldn't be able to lead my current study consistently, due to the demands of the schedule. Any wisdom for me would be appreciated; especially from church elders and leaders.
