So you're called...

I decided to write this post today for several reasons. 1) I badly needed a break from reading encyclopedia articles about sacraments, 2) I haven't written since September, 3) I realized that a lot of teenagers or young adults with calls have no idea what to do next, and 4) I did a quick google search and discovered that I found very little to help outside the excerpts from the Book of Discipline. So let me make it clear what I want to write about today. I am talking to Christians who have had a call to full time ministry. I am specifically speaking from my experience as a 23 year old United Methodist who was called when she was 12. I don't know how many people currently read my blog, but I have found information by reading random people's blogs before, so I decided to write a bit about my experiences.

So, are you called into ministry? Are you United Methodist? Are you young and have no clue what to do next? Here is the advice that I have gathered over the years, both from personal experience and from the many many people who love to give advice.

First thing to do is talk to your pastor. Now this seems self-evident, but a lot of people don't start here. Your pastor has done this before, has connections, and hopefully has some idea of how to get started on this long and complicated process. When you talk to your pastor, tell them about your call. Discuss it, and they can help you into the next step.

Second, call your district superintendent. Here is where the fun begins. District Superintendents are very busy people with a lot on their plate. You may have the best DS in the world, but they cannot devote all their time to helping you through the process. Help them by knowing what to do. You should tell them that you wish to start the discernment process. You want a mentor, and you was to discuss with that mentor the book "Christian as Minister." This will get you started.

Now, before we proceed, you must know two very important things. First, keep a copy of every single piece of paper that has anything to do with the process. People have had to start over because paperwork is lost. It is your responsibility to keep a back-up copy. Keep it until after you get a stole placed around your neck at Annual Conference. Second, keep on your district and conference. As I said before, they are busy, and so sometimes things fall through the cracks. If you are called, they want you. If you are called and young, they want you even more. However, you still have to fight to move forward in the process, every step of the way. Sometimes, this may mean a weekly e-mail, and sometimes it may mean driving to the office and standing there until you have the paperwork you need. If you are a teenager, lucky you! Your parents can help in this. If you are an adult, take the initiative. It takes time, and it takes many e-mails and phone calls. Remember, one day that could be you who is an overwhelmed pastor. Also remember, if you are called, they really do want you. Sometimes you just have to remind them you are there among the many ministry things that they are working on.

After you have a mentor and have read "Christian as Minister," the discernment process moves forward. Now, this has changed since I did it, so I cannot give you details. I can tell you, DO NOT skimp on the discernment step. It is not worth it to rush through and discover ten years later that your call is different. I have seen it happen, and it is not fun. You may be positive of your call, but remember, you still need to learn how to articulate it to a bunch of pastors and laity who will determine your fate. If you cannot articulate your call, how can they believe that you truly have one? Tell your story often, and write it down a few times too. You will need it, and you will need to be comfortable with it. The discernment process can help with all these things.

If you are still in high school or middle school, watch for events that your conference sets up specifically for teens and discernment. I went to several of these. Sometimes I learned, sometimes I networked, and sometimes I met other people like me. You will discover that it is very unusual to be 12, 15, or even 17 and know that you are going to be a pastor. Remember, others are out there, you just have to find them. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

When you look at colleges, be sure to find the one where you feel comfortable. When choosing a major, be sure of 2 things. 1) Learn to write well. 2) Do what you love. You do not need a Religious Studies, Religion, or Theology major, though I won't lie, having Bible classes from Undergrad. has helped me in seminary.

If you are in college, remember the same things. Look for campus ministries aimed at people who are looking into ministry. Talk to your chaplain about starting one. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

When you look at seminary, look at the denomination, the theological statements, and all the same things that you looked for in a college. Do you want a seminary connected to other graduate schools or one that is small and off by itself? Where are you happy? Where can you fit?

Seminary for me has been amazing. For the first time, I am surrounded by people who are like me. We all have calls. Many of us plan to be pastors. Some of us even have the calls from early in life. For the first time, I am constantly reminded that I am not alone. I had some reminders early in life, but today, I am with them all the time. I AM NOT ALONE.

One semester in and 2 1/2 years to go. Expect more updates in the ins and outs of the process. Remember, if you are called young, you do get there eventually. It takes a long time, but all along the way there are others going through the same things that you are doing. They are having the same struggles, same fights. They might be with God, with family, with friends, or with the church. Remember your call, stick with God, and you will get there.