Feeling Called? How to Become a Pastor
Defining the 'Call': What Does it Mean?
Have you ever felt "called" by God to a particular form of service and ministry? Perhaps you are not sure whether it is a calling or it is just a deep desire that you have in your heart. Whatever the case may be, many have felt a call to service of some kind; for some, this comes as a desire to serve pastorally. Perhaps that is a call that you have felt, and if so, it is a blessing to have you hear to read what the Bible says about being "called."
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God (Romans 1:1 ESV)
Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes (1 Cor. 1:1 ESV)
5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities, you will never fall. (2 Peter 1:5-10 ESV)
Throughout the Scripture, it would appear that one's "calling" is a type of service to which the Lord has called the individual. This would mean that God has made each person with their own unique abilities and skills, all of which can be used to serve God if the called individual elects to accept that calling. Peter even explains that anyone who wishes to "be fruitful and effective" in their relationship with Christ- this "fruitfulness" refers to their effectiveness in ministry- must pursue virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love.
Therefore, if one feels a calling to be a Pastor but they do not feel a calling to grow in these many ways described previously, then one ought to reconsider their desires and why they may be feeling called into the ministry. However, if one desires to grow in those many virtues and display the fruits of the Holy Spirit, which is proper for a Pastor, then they ought to turn to prayer for strength as they begin this journey! What comes next, especially for those pursuing work as a Pastor, is outlined elsewhere in the Scripture:
3 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? (1 Timothy 3:1-5 ESV)
This term "overseer" refers to the same reality of what is meant by a "Pastor." As such, we should see these types of virtues in those who feel called to the position of Pastor. However, what distinguishes an overseer from a deacon is that an overseer/Pastor must be "able to teach." This would entail that an overseer/Pastor must understand the Scripture enough and be well-rooted in a proper theological framework in order to even begin the journey into Pastoral ministry. So the question which must be asked is:
Why a Bachelor's Degree Matters
As the book of 1 Timothy states, one who desires to be a leader in the Pastoral care of the flock must be able to teach. What better way is there to ensure one is teaching the Bible correctly than through Biblical degree programs? And mind you, there are a variety of benefits to the pursuit of theological education for those pursuing the office of Pastor:
Answering the questions your congregants are most likely going to have about the Scripture
"When were the Gospels written? How can we trust that what we have today is a proper reflection of what the writers had written down then? Why did God allow these horrible events to happen in the Book of Job?" Believe it or not, your congregation is listening! But as a result of that, there are many questions that the members of your flock will develop as the years press on. With the advent of the internet and global internet access, this also means that new questions and new information is being made available to anyone at any time!
As a result, even the young people in your church body will have questions about God and the Bible. As such, it is desirable and beneficial to the entire congregation that you confront these questions in a degree program, that you learn the answers to them, and that you master succinct delivery of this data to those who wish to know!
Learn and study in a Christian Educational Environment
Often, studying the Bible by oneself can be difficult, especially for those who are:
In a Christian environment, but not a very educational one.
In an educational environment, but not a Christian one.
But in Bachelor's degree programs that are specifically dedicated to the teaching of Pastoral care and education, the individual can find both needs met! Best of all is when their Bachelor's program is done in a Christian Theological school (rather than some secular colleges where their religious studies departments are theologically liberal). Building off of that…
You can build a resume that shows how serious you take your Pastoral future career
While there have been- and surely will continue to be some pastors who have learned sufficiently from apprenticeship programs without any official education, it is the case that the vast majority of pastors and pastoral apprentices require a proper theological education to be prepared to lead the flock. Furthermore, this will allow you to stand out as a candidate for the pastorate among and above those who lack such an education. More than that, it will let the congregation know how much you care about properly, leading them toward a more Christlike and Biblical future.
Bible Colleges vs. Theological Schools: Choosing the Right Fit
A common question asked by those pursuing pastoral education is whether they ought to go to a Bible college or a Theological school for formal education. This is an excellent question that we can discuss here.
A Bible college is understood as an educational program in which students are taught through each book of the Bible individually. A Theological college, on the other hand, provides students with much deeper study into the languages of the Bible, how to analyze discourse and genre, and training people to think theologically.
In terms of the practical ends of each, the Bible college is more often focused on properly educating the individual Christian to understand their Bible more accurately. Of course, this is a wonderful goal, and we rejoice alongside those who wish to understand the Bible more completely! However, there is a different goal in mind for those going through a Theological school. It is, instead, to equip individuals with all that they need for a full-time teaching ministry. Rather than helping people to know their Bible personally, these schools wish to turn students into the kind of teachers that can teach others effectively!
What Are the Best Pastor Degrees
"But what degree is the best to pursue?" you may ask. This is another wonderful question and one which ought to be met by an answer of great breadth! Thanks be to God, there is a great variety of degrees that are quite helpful to those pursuing pastoral care. However, for the sake of brevity, we shall here enumerate only the five degrees most helpful to the potential pastor.
Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Religious Studies
This degree is centered around a proper understanding of general Theology and how Christianity differs from other lesser worldview systems. It is an excellent way to pursue a deeper knowledge of God, knowledge which, in turn, will aid in growing in those virtues previously stated in 2 Peter 1:5-10.
Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies and Philosophy
Another Bachelor's degree of note, is for the Pastor who desires a more specific understanding of Christian history, Theology, Ecclesiology, and Philosophy. While some answers about other religions may not be the focus of this degree, it more than compensates through a rigorous understanding of everything "Christian."
Bachelor of Arts in ReligionFor the individual who is perhaps pursuing a career as an apologetics or evangelistic teaching Pastor, this degree can be extremely helpful for an understanding of the various theories of religious development (from a secular and Christian lens), and knowing other religions enough to be able to more effectively evangelize to them!
Bachelor of Arts in Theology
Yet another degree that is even more specified, this academic pursuit will surely supplement any questions you have with newfound answers about the nature of God, along with preparing you for the many questions that your congregants may have about the many theories of God's nature.
Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Ministry
This bachelor's degree combines the focus of Theology seen in other programs but adds to it an all-important knowledge of Ministry. While there is great value in knowing about other Christian traditions or even non-Christian false religions (for the sake of educating your congregants), there is equally significant value to knowing the work and expectations of an individual in ministry- this being only more valuable for those pursuing work as a Pastor.
Steps to Becoming an Ordained Pastor
Even with all of the knowledge necessary to teach the flock given to you by Christ, there is still a process that one must undergo in order to become a properly ordained Pastor. Some Theological schools actually account for this in their academic requirements by requiring ministry leadership during the degree program. No matter the case, one should be prepared for a candidacy period that can take multiple months or even years.
Mind you; this is all for the good of the flock! The elders/bishops in the church body cannot simply hand of their people to be under your teaching without proper vetting. Many churches will even necessitate that you obtain a Master's degree of some kind (most often a Master's of Divinity), which can make this process longer than just the four of your bachelor program. But even with a Master's, what else should you know about the road to ordination?
Understanding the Candidacy Period and its Importance
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. (1 Peter 5:2-3)
This period of time is meant to ensure that you are the kind of person who desires to serve God and tend to His people. If anyone is well acquainted with the prosperity preachers of our modern world, they would know that some people are more concerned with selfish/dishonest gain than they are with actually sacrificially caring for others.
Other Pastors, even those who are well-educated and Biblically knowledgable, have been found as domineering and desiring authority over others. This is not how a Biblical pastor is meant to be.
This is why an extended period of time is needed to analyze a possible pastor. One must be able to see them in and out of season, through difficult and stressful times, and in periods of excess and ease! In all of these times and through interaction with the many struggles of the Church body, it is important to see how well a pastoral candidate measures up to the virtues and character described in 1 Timothy 3:1-5.
The Role of an Ordination Council: Evaluation and Validation
Ordination councils are a necessity in providing an agreed-upon and consistent understanding of the standards expected of a Pastor. These councils allow for individuals with ecclesiological experience and authority to prayerfully consider each and every applicant through the eyes of Scripture. Having their own share of leadership experience in the Church, they are apt to evaluate the personal character and Christ-likeness of a candidate to see if they are prepared to lead people toward Christ.
If it were simply a board of members who are not themselves well-versed in the Scripture or ministry leadership, then their choices would not be informed by the best available data. Any candidate selected may only be because of how charismatic their disposition is; in this, no consideration of their personal or home life would be considered.
Considering how they respond to requests for hands-on labor and community service is one such means that a council will consider. How Orthodox and theologically rich their teaching is- yet another! Above all, how dearly they love the Lord and desire to exult the name of our Savior, Christ Jesus, must be evident in all that they say or do. It is in a properly-ordered love of God that we may come to see a Pastor who lives to serve.
These councils can make sure of it. After they have considered all the Personal, Local, Biblical, and Ecclesiological matters relevant to a Pastor, a decision can be given, and validation can be made! For the one then validated, they have the council as a witness and a continued guide to ensure that they uphold all which is proper and right for an undershepherd of the Lord's flock.
Practical Tips: Engaging with Church Activities, Attending Church Services, and Joining Bible Study Groups
In the meantime, it is important to serve your Church community as much as you can! After all, if you are truly doing all of this to serve Christ, then you ought to be willing to serve His Body even before any validation is offered! Here are some helpful ideas that you can do during your candidacy period:
Engage in Church Activities like community outreach/service, evangelism, and church projects needing more members (construction, fundraising, and the like).
Attending Church services, which is both helpful for getting to know the flock, but also for observing the ways that those more experienced than yourself handle a sermon!
Joining Bible Study groups, be it as the leader or as a member, can be a great way to practice Bible teaching while maintaining a clear dependence on God's word.
Duties and Responsibilities of a Pastor
Once you have been validated as an ordained minister/pastor, it is time for you to fulfill your pastoral duties. What exactly may that include? Let us be reminded by the Scripture on that matter:
4 On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. (1 Thessalonians 2:4)
And again,
10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides so that in all things, God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:10-11)
First and foremost, a Pastor is called to serve God and to love God. If they do not love God, then they cannot correctly love and serve their congregants as a leader of the flock. Following this, we can speak about the duties of the Pastor to the flock specifically, but this must always be remembered in all that is said and done. Now what of their other duties? What follows are but a few.
Nurturing the Christian Faith
Our Lord describes the role of Peter and the many overseers of the flock in the following passage:
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again, Jesus said, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time, he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. (John 21:15-17)
Anyone who is called to serve the Lord as a Pastor must do likewise! We are called to nourish the flock, and that being through the reading and proper handling of the Word (2 Timothy 2:14-15). The Word of the Lord is what sustains us, and for the Pastor, it is their duty to feed the flock with the Word of the True and Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.
Leading Religious Ceremonies
Of course, another set of duties for the Pastor would be leading of those important religious ceremonies for the Christian life! Weddings, child dedications or child/adult baptisms, funerals, and everything else in the middle. The Pastor ought to be a constant reminder of the Church as an authoritative and persistent sign throughout the life of the believer.
Pastoral Duties Beyond the Pulpit
Beyond all of these duties, it is necessary that a Pastor continue engaging with Church Elders, Church Leaders, and Church Members throughout the year. Elders must also be tended to and served. They can get exhausted as they help in leading the congregation, which is why a Pastor is needed to tend even to their needs.
Furthermore, the other leaders of the Church (be it leaders of community aid, evangelism, outreach, funding for missions, and more) can also grow tired in their work for God's kingdom. It is important to give them a chance to voice their concerns and to make known the moments when they may need a replacement. More than just that, they are members of the Body, too! This means they have lives and families of their own, with their own concerns of which they may be preoccupied. Pastors should be ready to lend an ear and true aid when these pleas become apparent.
Finally, the Church members must be accounted for in their own temptations, concerns, and questions about the Scripture and Christian living. As Pastors, one must be ready to give everything to the problems and concerns of the sheep so that they may know the sacrificial love which God Himself displayed on the cross.
The Evolving Role of Pastors in Today's World
But beyond all that the Scripture commands the Pastor, what are those unique roles which they must hold in the modern world, with all of its nuanced and complex problems. They maintain the Church body in a stable way against the changing tides of the world.
Not only that, but each Pastor tends to their own specific population with their own struggles, from Youth Pastors and modern trends which affect them to Senior pastors and the specific challenges of an aging populous. All of these Pastors, no matter their specific pastoral career, are called to know their sheep and lead them to Christ in a steadfast and stable way.
Final Thoughts: Embracing Your Divine Calling
After all that you have seen, I hope that you are even more excited to begin your journey into becoming a Pastor! While the journey may seem arduous at times, it is all worth it for the joy of serving our Lord and more fully knowing His Word! Few have been blessed with the opportunity of serving God in the field of Pastoral care, so it should be considered an honor to answer the calling God has placed on your life! You can help your flock to more deeply understand the Word in all of its literary beauty.
Furthermore, you are joined into one diverse and ancient body amongst other Pastors who led before yourself. See the wonderful work that Christ can do through you. Yet, in all of this, some can grow harsh and prideful of their status. This is why a formal bachelor's (or even master's) education in Ministry and Theology is so important. In these programs, you are reminded about how much you don't know and are reminded of the great dangers which await those that let pride consume them.
Having been raised with teachers of ministry helps in remembering that even our knowledge is just something passed on to us by scholars more well-versed than we could ever be. Yet even those scholars are humbled by the many who are before them. And before Christ, we are all but children who know so little! Yet to image our Lord best, let us consider to know Him in wisdom and in truth! For what are we without a love for the Lord who ransomed us?
