I was asked recently to reflect on this question for a mini-staff retreat, and I thought I’d post the answer since, as true as it is, my reasons still confuse me….
I do not so much feel called to ministry, as I feel created for ministry. Not long ago, I was discussing this topic with some fellow seminary students. We discussed our relationships with friends outside the seminary bubble and how frustrated we were sometimes not to have the same luxuries and clarity as them. One of my friends even confessed, quite rightly, that it was sometimes even embarrassing. And yet, we all shared a general notion that there is nowhere else we could. We were supposed to be here at Candler, studying the Bible and theology, and generally preparing for religious leadership.
Reflecting back, I am reminded of the Peter’s confession in John 6 after the feeding of the 5000. Jesus gives a difficult teaching concerning eating of his body and drinking of his blood, and most of the crowds turn away from him. Jesus asks his disciples if they will abandon him as well, to which Peter replies “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:68, 69 ESV)
I sometimes feel like I wound up on this journey by accident, or at least so far back I don’t remember the beginning. It’s like hiking an unmarked trail deep into the woods, vague as to the destination, but sure it will be worth it.
(Photo By: https://www.flickr.com/photos/liebermann/)
Kena Hawkins Newkirk 