BGEA: I'm 16 years old and I'd like to know how you decided to be a preacher. I want to help people who don't know Jesus.

I'm 16 years old and I'd like to know how you decided to be a preacher. I have given my life to Jesus, and sometimes I wonder if that's what I ought to do also. I have a deep concern for people who don't know Jesus, and I want to help them. — R.G.

I made my decision to become a preacher only after much turmoil and struggle—and the reason was because I didn't want to be a preacher!

But I became convinced that God was calling me to preach, and in time, I responded to His call. In other words, I didn't decide to become a preacher; I only decided to accept God's call for me to preach. I was in college at the time, and once I committed my life to preach the Gospel, I never looked back or doubted His call. I often think of God's words to Jeremiah: "Before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations" (Jeremiah 1:5).

I'm thankful you have given your life to Jesus—and I'm thankful also for the burden you have for those who don't know Him. Ask God to guide you as you make decisions about your future, and if it's His will for you to be a pastor or evangelist, or to serve Him in some other way, He will make it clear. As you consider this, ask others to help you evaluate your spiritual gifts.

At the same time, not everyone is called to be a preacher—and you can serve Christ no matter what or where He calls you. Jesus' words apply to every Christian: "You are the light of the world. ... Let your light shine before men" (Matthew 5:14, 16).

6 Comments

CAITLIN says 1.12.2013, 5:29 p.m.

I considered becoming a nun at the age of 16 but didn't because I decided I wanted a family. I am now 22 and wonder if I made the right choice. God has a plan for you, pray for his guidance and follow your heart. Don't live with regrets.

pete says 8.22.2011, 10:39 p.m.

I have struggled with the idea of going to seminary/preaching for the past 35 years. I am now 54 years old. I have never had any peace over this issue. about 25 years ago, my conservative pastor told me he believed that I 'had a message from God.' Over the past two years I started buying books on Christianity/helps and now have approximately 150 books. I've asked god why he put me on earth and the thought i get is 'to speak the truth.' I am currently halfway through finishing a PHD which I really don't care about. I tell myself that the only book that I'm interested in studying is the bible. I know that I am not interested in being a pastor but I love talking passionately about our culture and about Christ.

Lee says 1.22.2011, 1:52 p.m.

For nothing is impossible with God. For greater of these is Love and the Truth will set you free. Love and support you friend and be there for her.

Debra says 1.19.2011, 5:03 p.m.

I am struggling with whether God calls women to be pastors. I believe he does not, however, a dear friend of my believes God does and she has chosen to be one.

Billy says 12.30.2010, 7:56 p.m.

I have resently had the conviction to preach and I am only 16 also, but I believe that the Lord has called me to preach the Gospeo of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, everyone that sees this please pray for me, that I will stand fast on the only solid foundation there really is, tha is Jesus Christ, and also run the race that is been set befor me to run by the grace of God.

AL says 8.10.2010, 12:37 a.m.

I struggle with the same question. I am at a cross roads between going to seminary or law school and don't know what to do.