I am looking at getting into the ministry. What do I need to do?

Assuming that your local church is part of the Body of Christ, I suggest that you begin your faith walk there. Let other believers help you to discover your spiritual gifts and pray for opportunities for service to confirm your calling. Share this with your pastor and elders(or other mature leaders), and be accountable and submissive to their guidance. Remember the principle to be faithful first in small things, doing everything as unto the Lord. Also remember that God is the Author and Finisher of our faith. There are many good materials and schools for preparation. I recommend the Navigators Design for Discipleship series as well as their Topical Memory System. Above all, find some Godly people who will be faithful to keep you in their prayers. God bless you as you go forward.

Talk to your pastor. Start by taking up a ministry in your church with the guidence of your pastor, and go from there.

A very close pastor friend told my husband.... "Avoid getting into the ministry...If it is God's will, He will get you there and you will not have any doubts."

That was good advice. My husband felt that he was supposed to be a pastor, but he didn't chase after it. It did, eventually, fall right into his lap.

Ministry is not for the weak hearted. It will break your heart. If you are married, it will break your wife's heart. People are unknowing and knowingly cruel. They will tear you apart and your call is to let them...and stick it out...not to run from it.

If you think you can handle your marriage, family, and yourself torn apart....and still stick to it...then perhaps you are called into the ministry.

Count the cost. If you are ready to get beat up by God's sheep and still love and care for them...then perhaps you are called into the ministry.

2 Cor. 11:23-30 (NKJV)

Are they ministers of Christ?--I speak as a fool--I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. [24] From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. [25] Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; [26] in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; [27] in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness-- [28] besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. [29] Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation? [30] If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity.

You also need to make sure that the Bible doesn't disqualify you. The Bible always mentions Pastors as "He" and so on...

Last, but not least...STUDY.

Have you finished high school yet? You need to go to Bible college and get a degree in pastoral ministry. See what colleges are in your denomination.

You must be called by God. If you feel like you have been called to the ministry find a good seminary and I wish you well.

First be called by God to pastor.

This really depends on what religion you affiliate yourself with. Just saying you want to be a pastor of your own church, isn't going to make you one...

Get educated thru the internet first at these sites in your spare time.

http://www.bibleprobe.com/300great.htm

http://www.emjc3.com/helland.htm

http://www.carm.org/doctrine/100truths.htm Check the rest of this site out for more info

Go on short term mission trips to get a feel for the work at small congregations.

http://www.shorttermmissions.com/index.phtml?STM=f...

Be assured from the Lord that this the direction he wants you to go.

http://my.freegiftworld.com/?ADTGID=90729&CID=8643...

One thing I know is vital is seeking the Lord. He will lead you in your steps.

Seek God and pray.He'll lead you there, if it's where he wants you.