The Ministry Journey
The Apostle Paul wrote, “Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands” (1 Timothy 5:22). That is why your Ministry Journey will take time, along with a good dose of endurance. As you begin, think in terms of a 10K run rather than a sprint. Thankfully, you are not alone on this journey, though you must take responsibility for making wise, informed decisions. Along the way, prayerfully seek the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit and make every effort to connect often with trusted persons willing to partner with you.
Partners on the Journey
A pastor committed to mentoring healthy church leaders will be your first partner in resourcing your ministry journey. Begin your journey by expressing your desire to be mentored in the process. Local pastors committed to our Nazarene movement will come alongside you as you discern your call, seek to become involved and take responsibilities in ministry. They will also introduce you to leaders from the District Board of Ministry.
All local Nazarene churches are part of a group of churches called a District. The District leaders include a District Superintendent, District Advisory Board and District Board of Ministry. All of these leaders will be partners with you to help prepare, challenge and mentor you. On every one of our 500+ districts around the world, district leaders will assist you to be faithful and fruitful in ministry, they will affirm your call and ultimately they will be the leaders who recommend you for ordination.
The CoRe Network partners with your District Board of Ministry to assist you being trained in either a Nazarene degree or non-degree ministry program. The Network collaborates with educational institutions, districts and local churches as together we all prepare women and men for a lifetime in ministry. As a minister in training, you should consider every minister you meet along the way as a partner with you on your journey in ministry. The leaders throughout the Nazarene movement are committed to training you in a broad, rich education that includes the competencies, content, character and context of how to effectively develop and lead a healthy church.
You Are Not Alone
With every step of this journey in Christian ministry remember, you are not alone! You join a company of saints and servants, many of whom will encourage, inspire and pray for you along the way. Most importantly, the Holy Spirit goes before and behind you. There is no path on this journey where God’s grace cannot meet you.
It is likely you may be feeling a degree of trepidation as you begin pursuing God’s call on your life. At the same time, filled with great excitement as you think and pray about the possibilities of your future in ministry, there is also a sense of anticipation as you enter this season. You have wonderful days ahead. Welcome to the Journey!