BGEA: How do I prepare to enter the ministry and preach the Gospel?

I sense that the Lord is calling me to enter the ministry and preach the Gospel. How do I prepare for this?

Anyone who senses the leading of the Lord to enter the Christian ministry or any field of Christian service should seek confirmation of that guidance through meditation upon God's Word and prayer.

The desire to enter full-time Gospel ministry should be a God-given urge and passion to seek out the lost, win them for Christ, and nurture them within the church. Paul expressed it this way, "Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel" (1 Corinthians 9:16).

Preparation should begin immediately through a personal habit of daily devotions, Bible study, and prayer. Loyalty in church attendance and active participation in Christian service are essential. Counsel and prayer with pastors and church leaders are also vital. Perhaps your pastor could suggest a program of reading and study in those areas he would consider most helpful. Trust the Lord to lead you in further training at a Bible college or seminary of His choice.

Your pastor or church leaders should be able to give you specific information on the process of obtaining credentials for ministry within your particular church or denomination. You might also contact officials at a Bible college or seminary that you are interested in.

As you explore God's plan for your ministry, remember the wonderful promise of Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

13 Comments

Lorie says 5.7.2013, 3:49 p.m.

Ive been singing for a while about fiftin years on and off I still get very nervous when I sing but when a preach I'm a lot comfortable so please help me to pray to find out whats my gift if its to sing or preach I love doing both I write my own song

tina says 4.13.2013, 09:19 a.m.

i feel the calling to share the Good News,how must i go about this,I have completed My Hope for America,What studies or training is next?

Elizabeth says 2.15.2013, 11:04 a.m.

God leads us on some interesting paths. I am a 50 yr old women who belongs to a group that ministers to dirt bike racers. This has been an incredible gift to me. Sharing Christ's love allows me to enjoy God's gifts. If you feel called PLEASE go

Starr says 2.4.2013, 01:27 a.m.

The only thing I know right now is I feel God is leading me in a ministry of some kind.Some kind of Missionary work comes to my mind. I do have a musical singing gift, and I love to teach and help. I'm trying to put my life back together. Need Peace.

Chaplain Rod says 10.4.2012, 4:26 p.m.

I don't know how many of you are still reading these comments you posted with questions, but I would like to Praise God for you. There are many areas of ministry that you can serve even if you don't have higher education. Just continue to pray.

Brian says 8.31.2012, 9:44 p.m.

Im being called into ministry and have been praying about this decision for a while now. Im 37 years old and have 7 children and I only have high school diploma. Why do churches prefer really educated over called from God.

Debbie says 8.18.2012, 9:59 p.m.

I have taught Sunday School, Served on nominating team,volunteered for 9 yrs@ a local crises pregnancy center,then I was on the board, also as the director. I have sang in choirs, I have been on mission trips,but I need to serve more.where?

Linda says 2.28.2012, 11:03 a.m.

I feel frustrated that I am not really getting support from my church leadership. I have witnessed to young people and won them to Christ and feel like God is leading me to be a full time servant. I am not really sure where to go from here.

Steve says 3.1.2011, 10:10 p.m.

I know I have a calling from God for the ministry but no one else seems to care, even my church leadership. I have applied with different orginizations but so far have been rejected.

Naleh says 1.23.2011, 6:32 p.m.

Personal preparation has already been started because I do want to get nearer to Jesus and to know Him more and more. The problem that I see is the fact that I'm still fairly new to Charlotte area and I don't have a home church where I can consult and pray regarding my going into the ministry. Please pray for me about this. Furthermore, I want to be of some use to Lahu people who live in China, Thailand and such. So when everything is done, I pray that the Lord will guide my path, and I will definitely follow. I've been through so much that I will not be distracted any longer. Thank you and God bless!

benjamin says 1.19.2011, 10:10 a.m.

Just had the opportunity to study a note by you today on 'Excuses' and really wanted to know more of you. I'm an undergraduate student in Ghana and wish to share the Gospel with my colleagues and to build myself also in the faith. Please keep praying with me. Thanks and God bless you.

Paul says 12.9.2010, 12:45 a.m.

Bible study and prayer I understand and practice daily. Devotions? What are you talking about?

Daniel Perea says 10.22.2010, 11:07 p.m.

I have an urge to learn more about the Lord that has ben given to me by the Lord. I'm in college but im not happy because im not learning what ive been enabled to learn by the Lord. I live in Orlando Florida. Is their a college you could recommend for me?