The Call and Commitment to Education: A Serious Path in Ministry

By: José Samuel Mérida

Today I want to continue talking about a crucial aspect of the call to ministry that is often overlooked: the importance of formal education. If we truly feel God’s call to serve in pastoral or missionary ministry, we must be willing to invest the time and effort necessary to adequately prepare. It is not enough to have a burning desire; we must also be willing to learn and train ourselves.

Imagine a young man interested in medicine who, instead of attending medical school and obtaining professional training, decides to read a few articles in medical journals and then introduces himself as a doctor. What would we think of him? It would seem like an unserious attitude to us, right? Likewise, if we feel a call to ministry, we cannot take it lightly. In our context, this means that we should consider attending the nearest Nazarene seminary, accredited university or vocational school to receive appropriate training.
Scripture shows us that preparation and study are essential. In the Old Testament, the prophet Daniel was distinguished by his knowledge and preparation. In Daniel 1:4, we are told that he was “young, without blemish, of good appearance, discerning in all wisdom, wise in knowledge, and of good understanding.” This knowledge did not come by chance; Daniel prepared to serve in the king’s court with dedication and effort.

Likewise, in the New Testament, Paul encourages us to study and present ourselves as workers who have nothing to be ashamed of. In 2 Timothy 2:15, we read: “Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” This call to preparation is a principle that applies to all who seek to serve in ministry.
Now, it is important to remember that God’s call does not always manifest itself in pastoral or missionary ministry. God calls us to different vocations and services, such as engineering, teaching, medicine, or social work. However, when we dedicate ourselves to our calling with a heart devoted to God, our perspective changes. It is no longer just about achieving a personal goal, but about glorifying God and serving our neighbors with excellence and dedication.
When we take a calling seriously and prepare properly, we show a genuine commitment to God’s work. Academic preparation is not an obstacle but a valuable tool to equip us for service. If God has called you to ministry, do not let lack of preparation stop your progress. Just as the apostle Paul instructed Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:14, do not ignore the gift that has been given to you. Instead, seek the education and training that will help you better serve the Church and fulfill the purpose God has placed in your heart.

For those considering a pastoral or missionary calling, it is crucial to understand the importance of theological education. See the opportunity to study in a Nazarene seminary not as an obstacle but as a valuable investment in the ability to serve God and others with excellence from the platform of the Church of the Nazarene. This time dedicated to study not only enriches our knowledge but also strengthens our faith, preparing us to be effective instruments in the hands of the Lord.
Responding to God’s call with humility and determination involves seriously committing to training that honors God at every step of the ministerial path. Every effort and learning during this period should reflect our sincere desire to glorify God and effectively serve our community and the world around us.