One of the main questions that students ask when considering going to university, and especially when considering Bible College, is Will I get a job? The real question is, will I be able to start my career? Thankfully, the answer to this question is simple: It depends. Let me explain why:
1. It depends on if you’re willing to go where God sends you.
My daughter had a friend who had earned her teaching degree but was bemoaning the fact that she couldn’t get a job. However, when pressed, the friend had some very clear parameters of what kind of job she was looking for – including wanting a job in her own community.
God is always looking for people who will go where He sends, even if it means leaving what is familiar and comfortable. Jesus spoke of leaving “home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents of children for the sake of the kingdom of God” (Luke 18:29).
2. It depends on if you’re willing to do what God asks you to do:
It’s not likely God will ask you to pastor a megachurch or to be the CEO of a large ministry immediately upon graduation.
But if you’re willing to do what He asks you do, even if it seems small and insignificant, other opportunities will follow – and note that you need to be content in doing what He asks you to do.
I am always disconcerted when I hear people talking about the direct correlation between being in ministry and being poor. God doesn’t necessarily promise we’ll be rich, especially immediately after graduation, but He does promise to provide for our needs. Identifying what we need will help us be content in doing what He asks us to do.
3. It depends on if you’re willing to be what God asks you to be:
Ministry takes many shapes and forms. God may ask you to be a preaching pastor, but He may also want you to minister in the hardware store or the factory, or the small business.
Yes, God needs pastors, but He also needs people who will be a transforming presence in the marketplace – where people who need Jesus live and work.
In summary, if God is asking you to serve Him, yes, you’ll get a job ~ if you’re willing to go, do and be what He asks.
Want to learn more? Check out these additional posts to learn more about being called to ministry and what it takes to be a Bible College student!
Interested in contributing to the Kingswood University Blog? Please email painterz@kingswood.edu with a brief summary to discuss if your idea could be featured in a future post.