Reflections on Going from Bible College into Ministry

The following are some comments on being a Bible college student and being in ministry, for what they are worth. They are my own personal experience, and hopefully, if you are in Bible college or in ministry, you can be encouraged by it. Its from an email I sent to some of my college friends.

As a single man, there is no one who understands the isolation of ministry. It is quite a lonely job at times, and without the support of those who understand, it is quite daunting. This is much different from the college environment, and in particular, singles quarters, where everyone is in similar situations, which I often drew strength from. This is why I chose to work where I am, because of proximity to family and those close to me.

Interesting question you ask about how college affects our relationship with God. I think I struggled with seeing the Bible as my text book rather than God's precious letter to me. I resonate with your comments about being a SON first. Not losing sight of your first love. Being in love with the God who has saved you. College doesn't teach us this. I found at the end of 4th year I was less passionate about God than when I came into college, and I had to regain that, rather than have a technical, laboratory type attitude to the Bible. (I think an extended holiday after college helped me regain that, not to mention some good heart-to-hearts at the Marly on Friday arvo's in 4th year...as well as my own brokeness of a break-up and the death of my grandmother...nothing like shattered dreams to throw yourself upon the big goodness of God).

Personally, I'm excited to be in ministry now. (At the moment at least!) Its hard work, its painful, sometimes I feel like there is no fruit...but then I see people changed by the Word. I've seen someone come to Him. And suddenly its all worthwhile again.

I guess the key is to remember we are ALL broken. We all need to draw strength from Christ and not in our own resources/gifts/charisma/personality etc. Only Christ can take our feeble good works and turn them into fruit for His Kingdom. My prayer today was that I would not get in the way of His working that which is pleasing in His sight.

I think a warning is waranteed to those starting Bible college- something to prepare them for the years ahead. I remember reading a paper about combining my academic studies with my personal devotions, and I found this mentality a great help to getting through college.

I was very encouraged by the recent Retreat. I think it helped me refocus on what my role is- to preach the Word. Acts 20 is such a key passage to us in ministry, and thank God he has preserved these words of Paul's as God's Word to us. I may be lacking in energy at times to keep going in ministry, but it taught me to use whatever energy I have to spread the Word and get others excited whenever I can about the Word. Heaven and hell are very real!!!! Paul warned people with tears! Currently I'm trying to meet with men to share with them a vision for ministry and serving others. (As we were reminded at our last training day...it is good for people to serve others...I really believe this, and am seeking to encourage people and push them to be serving others.)

I've also drawn strength from my own study of the Scriptures for sermons. Its such a hard slog preaching each week. There are some weeks that I wake up on a Sunday morning and wish that someone else could do it, and I could just have a simple 9-5 office job. But just finishing Colossians lately...I'm in Christ!! How amazing is that? And how big is Jesus?? If my congregation can see a man who is in love with God's Word, then hopefully that will be infectious. If they take away only one thing from my sermon..then its worthwhile.

May God use our feeble efforts to bring glory to Himself. In weakness, then we are strong.

From a recovering college student, but well-trained nonetheless.

David