Recognizing a Call
Real People, Real Ministers
Honest Questions
Next Steps
Contact Us


book reviews  |  links  |  internships

What if I am interested in becoming a minister or priest? Or what if I still have some questions? What next?

You should have questions! You are in a process of discernment. You will want to ask God for guidance and pay attention to the emerging signs about your direction. You may also want to:  
Talk to a minister or priest you respect. Sharing your dreams and fears in conversation with a minister or priest—perhaps the pastor of your church or a chaplain at your school—can be a valuable source of information and guidance.

Contact your denomination. If you are a member of a church, the chances are good that your church’s denomination can provide information about the ministry. Click here to view a list of denominational sites and select the denomination of your choice.

Some denominations have sites about exploring ministry too. You may want to take a look at Hear God’s Call from the Episcopal Church, the United Methodist’s Church Is God Calling You?, Ask the Question sponsored by the United Church of Christ or Thinking about a Call? on the site of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Talk to an admissions counselor at a theological school. Most seminaries and theological schools have someone in the admissions office specially trained to answer all kinds of questions about the ministry. Many offer special events on campus for those who are wondering about ministry, occasions when you and others can visit the school, learn about theological education, and explore the possibility of ministry. If you are a member of a church, it may be most helpful to speak with someone at a theological school connected to your denomination. Click here to view a list of theological schools in the US and Canada.

Get some hands-on experience. Many church-related organizations offer internships and programs in which people can participate actively in ministry and reflect on their experiences. Click here to find a list of such programs. This list is by no means exhaustive, but it provides a sampling of the various kinds of opportunities that are available.