Considering its Pastor Appreciation Month and taking in to mind the theme of this thread, I have a few words of advise for young people who are called to pastoral ministry.1 - Don't go out to soon - even Jesus waited to start his public ministry at about age 30.2 - Commit to a local church where you can teach a class or lead a group on a weekly basis - one survey said most new pastors come from churches of less than 100 in attendance. Mega churches are like going to Disneyland, the rides are great, but the paid staff run them.3 - Your education should be focused on a profession (other than ministry) or a trade you can always work at. You will have plenty of opportunities to study the Bible and ministry, but don't discount the importance of being able to do something outside of filling a pulpit. Be cautious about student loan debt and spending you education money on non-accredited schools or seminars. 4 - Don't move far from family - again, even Jesus had his ministry base where his family was. Many of the great churches of today are family enterprises, and when you need help, you can only count on family.5 - Don't put you ministry in the hands of someone else. You, and you alone are accountable for your calling. 6 - Don't start or accept a church where you don't feel called - if you feel called to a city or area, go, even if you have to be independent, but whatever you do, don't go if you don't feel led just because the overseer thinks you need to go. 7 - You must provide you benefits for you and your family - don't think the local church or denomination is going to take care of you.8 - If you're going to be part of a denomination know what you're getting into. Details like the authority of those over you, the financial requirements placed on you and your church, the retirement system and the reporting system are issues you should understand before you commit. If you don't want to be independent, shop denominations - there are a range of organizations to choose from.9 - Have an exit vision - think about retirement and what that will look like - plan to step aside for the next generation and enjoy your old age.10 - If you, or your family, becomes bitter about ministry, reread number three. Listen, if God's not in it, why should you be?One last thought, personalize your local churches missions. It is better to have one or two missionaries you support, who will faithfully send you reports and can visit your local church on a regular basis (at least once a year).
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