what to do when a teenager is considering fulltime ministry (part 3)

This week, we are looking at some advice for responding to that one student who wants to know how they can serve in full time ministry.

GIVE THEM MORE RESPONSIBILITY
Raise the bar, raise it high!

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Let him/her know that training for ministry begins now. The best way to get ready for ministry is to be involved in doing ministry. Schooling is important, but students don’t need to wait until all their classes are completed to start preparing for ministry. We believe teenagers can “taste” ministry now!

Find practical ways for students interested in fulltime ministry to serve. If they are already serving, help them to discover a way they might increase their commitment and step out of their comfort zone.

Additionally, we think it’s valuable to regularly connect with them and help them process what they are learning about themselves and where God may be calling.

BE SENSITIVE TO PARENTS
Not all parents are excited for their son/daughter to go into ministry, and we need to be sensitive to their feelings. It’s not our job to drive a wedge in between parents and their kids as we help them navigate their calling.

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At times, this can be especially difficult. We once had a parent say, “My son is too smart to go into ministry.” Of course it was difficult to keep from laughing in her face, but we managed. In this case, thankfully a shred of discernment helped us lead a conversation into why the Church needs intelligent people in ministry. (By the way, this parent is now very proud of her son who is serving as a youth pastor.)

The point is this: the easy way is to have some kind of an anger response and do something that shouts, “How dare you challenge God’s call on your child’s life!” Instead, be humble and support the family while offering wise advice.