One thing I have learned after 19 years of pastoral ministry is that pastors believe their counsel is good for all of life’s big decisions/experiences, except one.
Someone wants to make the big decision to follow Jesus, we’re there.
Someone wants to make the big decision to get married, we’re there.
A family grieves the loss of a loved one, we’re there for the funeral.
Someone has a baby, we’re there standing outside the observation room watching the little one sleep.
Big decisions and big life experiences and we’re there. We expect ourselves to be there. The Church expects us to be there. We’re there for all of them. . . except the decision to select a career path.
We shepherd our people in many directions but show little concern when the day arrives for them to make one of the most life-changing and future-establishing decisions.
We do not expect ourselves to be there.
The Church does not expect us to be there.
We expect the secular guidance counselor to shepherd them in this Kingdom direction.
We expect family tradition to provide the path for this global matter.
We expect the whims of youthful desires to set the pace for this amazing Great Commission opportunity.
Last week, I spoke at Beeson Divinity School on the topic of “The Student, the University, and the Mission of God.” A portion of this presentation included a challenge for the listeners to shepherd their students to the marketplace. Prayer and fasting, counsel, and wise discernment are some of the components for determining a major or future vocation. Students are a powerhouse of Great Commission potential. However, we leaders often fail to see how important vocational decision making is when it comes to Kingdom advancement.
How about you? Are you shepherding your students to the field?
We have not met but I am pleased to hear what the Lord has going on your campus. Have served on the mission field for 27 years I pray that God will bless your efforts. Blessings
Thank you, Kurt.
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