I just completed my first semester surviving ministry school. I was anxious, nervous and quite possible intimidated during the first few classes. It seemed I was surrounded by people who could quote scripture at the drop of a hat. And I could barely remember any that aren’t used all the time. Or even where they were found. Yet, I pushed through that doubt and stayed focused on learning how to see God’s Word unfold in my life.

This year has kicked my butt and I will talk about that in the next blog post but for now just know I survived personal and professional attacks, defeats and rejection that tried to take me down. I chose not to hide the things I went through but I won’t go into detail. I faced eviction, lights being cut off (especially on the days I had class was frustrating), overdrawn bank account, hardly any food to eat, taking multiple busses just to get to FedEx so I could print the exam review, no client work, my laptop charger blew so no laptop had to borrow my mom’s for class. and so much more.

I mean I literally lived on prayers, God’s grace and the support of my siblings this semester. I’m beyond grateful for the support I received.

I faced defeat which almost brought me to a deep depression yet I was determined to see things through.

Surviving Ministry School was true grit, perseverance, heart break, tears, surrendering and a roller-coaster of emotions.

Twenty years ago I worked at a church and I absolutely loved the work. But I didn’t like the politics there. I was a teenager and didn’t understand the difference between religion and relationship nor did I understand that I could love the work and not the workplace. So when I left the church, I left being part of a church community for 15 years. Chile…..there were more pivots in my life I probably could have avoided if only I didn’t let my anger get the best of me.

Surviving Ministry School required me to do 6 things simultaneously which was quite draining if I admit. But without doing them I would not have realized what I know to be true for me. (I’ll share that at the end.)

Confess your Sins

I had a lot to confess. Even though I thought I did, baby, more things I remembered came to surface and I knew I needed to come to grips with that so I could not be weighed down by them. I’m no angel but I’m not evil either. I’m human with flaws but I’m striving to walk the path of righteousness that I can be faithful and obedient to.

Prepare to Unlearn

Remember when I said I left church for 15 years. I had to unlearn my reasoning behind that decision. I also had to unlearn my judgment of bad theology, bad doctrine and bad behavior displayed in churches. People do what they know and that comes from what they learn. Truthfully, many people aren’t learnedt in their calling. They just jump in saying they’re anointed and pray it goes smooth. If you’re going to share the gospel in any type of ministry setting, it’s a good idea to get some type of training, teaching and/or solid mentoring under your belt.

Be Disciplined

With not working, no money coming in, constant frustration I could have easily focused on that. Truthfully, I did keep that at the forefront of my mind daily. However, I made a study plan and stuck with that. I attended every single class despite lights getting cut off some days. I paid attention the best I could knowing some of that was over my head. I chose not to let anything take me off course as I wanted to be the best student I could be in something I really want to learn.

Be Open

It’s hard being the student again after a 10-year break from ministry school and graduate school. And after being an Educator for over 10 years. I had to learn to adapt to the teaching style of the different instructors, the personalities of my fellow MITs (Ministers in Training), how the Bible was being taught. Most importantly, I had to be open to not thinking my way is the only way. “My perspective of church was right. My understanding of the Bible couldn’t use room for growth.”

Check Yourself

In the beginning if I got annoyed in class, I would get on my phone and hit up social media. That was immature to be honest. I’m competitive so I felt the need to be better than my fellow MITs. I needed perfect scores on my quizzes. Only 1 quiz I didn’t. I missed 1 question. But I had this air about myself that all that I’ve done, known and experienced both working in ministry at 2 different churches as well as the work I’ve done in education, running a blog association and my own business, I just felt I was exceptional. Not saying that I’m not but I did humble myself because doing this work, work I’ve wanted to do since I was 12 is NOT about me at all. It’s about being a light to others as a reflection of God’s love and bringing God glory. I had to remove the me and clothed myself in humility, service and God’s true love.

Unload on God

Prayer became my most consistent thing with reading my Bible daily coming in extremely close second. I felt so isolated at times. I realized if I didn’t reach out to people I knew, they weren’t going to reach out to me. I had 2 friends who were consistent in checking in and supporting me this semester though. Even though I’m an introvert and prefer to stay home, it was such a revealing experience to see how even people I thought I made some type of connection with at my former church would at least say ‘hi’ every now and then. But nope, I would send out periodic texts to let people know what I was up to and touch base. But crickets coming my way. So I stopped. I had a lot of time to unload every single thing I had built up, stored away, suppressed, hidden on God. And He listened. I saw prayers being answered in real time. I saw miracles happen to stop the eviction and I can finish out the lease. God carried the burdens I thought I hid well or could carry. I do feel lighter.

Surviving Ministry School

Hallelujah!!!!!!

I’ve known I’ve always wanted to help people. But I was discouraged because that “field” didn’t make a lot of money. I’ve worked in a church, for nonprofits, in education for the majority of my adult career. But I was only truly fulfilled, excited and motivated when I worked at the church. I was allowed to be creative leading the Young Adult Ministry. Yes, there were boundaries but that only fueled what I felt I could to do increase attendance, engagement and support. And all those things happened.

But my anger got the better of me and I walked away from where (I know now) God placed me to learn, grow, gain experience and be equipped to operate in my calling.

I know the when (now) and where (The Potter’s House School of Ministry). I know the why (God created me to a compassionate, emphatic person who walks in ease allowing others to be comfortable with themselves so they can thrive being themselves) and the what (serving others using God’s love to be a reflective mirror for themselves). Now I just need to continue in Ministry School so the how can be revealed.

Surviving Ministry School is an impressive feat for me in lieu of the personal and professional obstacles I faced. I refuse to let my emotions prevent me from completing and accomplishing something I was meant to do. And I hope that you dig deep and push through so you can succeed at whatever God has called you to do. God doesn’t call everyone to direct ministry (not even sure if that’s for me but I’ll keep sharing God’s Word here). But God does call everyone i.e. Believers to minister.

Whether you teach, bake, tell jokes, write, employ others, take care of your family, God has called you to it. So don’t let anyone diminish it nor stray you from that path.

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