As Christians, we have many reasons to want to become a priest/pastor/presbyter, or as we formally say- the ministry of God. The reasons to embrace priesthood can be something like a deep respect for a known priest, a deep “calling”, a desire to serve the people, or familial traditions. Irrespectively, if you are being called by God- make sure you heard it right.

What is a “Calling”?

Imagine yourself to be intensely struggling with a challenge in life. It causes you a lot of anxiety and frustration, frequently leading you to arguments and escapism. Now these problems have turned into repeating patterns. You feel suffocated every time you are reminded of these problems. You Give Up.

You submitted to the LORD Jesus Christ and found yourself in a sudden state of unexplainable peace. You prayed to God and submitted to Him, because you couldn’t properly handle your life. You asked for His help and guidance, wanting to do things His way. You changed, and so did your life.

With this newfound joy, you feel like a different person- because you are. But, all of a sudden- everything also feels different. Because the world is the same as before. You see people struggling with problems that you once faced, even in the Christian community. Jesus Christ is your only peace now, and you also see why your community needs you. This is a calling.

In order to serve the congregation of a church- providing passion-led guidance to your community- you must enter into the priesthood. But first, you must become a seminarian.

Who’s a Seminarian?

Serving God in His Ministry also means that you have to go through procedures that are often highly formal and structured. Theological education through a seminary is mandatory for almost every mainline Christian denomination.

During this period, you will be hurled into rigorous academics that go to and fro between secular and religious areas of life. You are taught to question and prove perspectives through evidence. Constant confusions and uncertainties will creep in during this period, as you are introduced to questions that challenge your core beliefs.

This is one of the most difficult parts of being a seminarian. Whatever you have been taught in your church will be in question, and you will find yourself constantly having to theologically protect your beliefs.

Spirituality in Practice

This time will be crucial for your spiritual development as you juggle worship, spirituality, and academics- amidst the chaotic secular world. You learn to shield your beliefs with theologically sound reasoning and begin to develop a belief system grounded in Christian faith.

As you strive to move from worldly needs to absolute submission to God, you also begin to realise that you have become a warrior for the kingdom of God. The blindfold of the flesh has weakened, and you begin to see the spiritual warfare that exists in this world. Your spirit ignites your soul to fight for His kingdom, but your flesh is still uncertain. The choice is clear.

The Spiritual Warfare

As Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”

You begin to see the evil that remains within us. Pride, anger, lust, gluttony, jealousy… we are the bearers of evil in this world. Our tongues- being used to judge out of pride and for desires not according to the will of God. We lust after women and engage in morally degrading activities under the guise of “ human desires of the heart”.

You finally begin to understand spiritual warfare. Denying our flesh to curb control of evil over us, and being loving towards even our enemies- lest their hatred grow. We cannot defeat evil with evil, but with the goodness of love and understanding- we can bring souls out of the clutches of evil and further strengthen the kingdom of God.

No Turning Back

While priesthood is a highly revered status in Christianity, the calling of God means the decision to give up the world. Your desires, attachments, goals- you have to give up your will and prioritise above all- the will of God. As Christ Jesus said, ‘no one can serve two masters’.

If you feel the spirit within you ignited, submit to the LORD Jesus Christ. Let Him use you as a warrior against evil, a sower of wisdom, and a worker of His vineyard.

May the grace of our LORD Jesus Christ,
the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit
be with us now and forever. Amen.