Exploring a Call

In the basement of Brite Divinity School last month, thirty high school students came together to talk about ministry and calling at an event called Exploring Your Call — EYC@TCU. I had the honor of directing this event as part of my HELM Leadership Fellows covenant this year. This was an event that I attended as a high school student, and I feel strongly that it is imperative that the church continue to give students a place to talk seriously about vocation.

Over the course of the weekend, students learned about ministry and the many forms that it can take and talked about the process of discerning the call. They also spent time talking about some of the ways to serve the church outside of ordained ministry. I was inspired by these students' presence and openness to come and talk honestly about both their hopes and fears.

In some ways, I think I got as much out of EYC@TCU as the student participants. I have been trying to discern whether I am being called to ordained ministry for a long time. I have had many great experiences in ministry and opportunities to serve the church, and I have enjoyed every moment. I have been mentored and encouraged, and I appreciate the support of everyone around me as went through the process of discernment.

At the beginning of this year, I was planning on going to seminary, but in January I began my student teaching, and since that time my plans have changed. I believe that I have found my calling in teaching, and I believe teaching can be ministry of its own. There are so many students who need to know that there are adults that care about them. I have the opportunity to minister to students everyday in small ways through a ministry of presence, and I feel this is something God has called me to do.

EYC reminded me that there are many ways to minister and that there are many ways to serve God and serve the church. EYC@TCU also gave me a great hope for the church. That weekend I met many young people who have a passion for the church and its mission, and I look forward to seeing them live out that mission in whatever way they are called. Some will be preachers, some will be teachers, some social justice advocates, and some lay leaders. All of them are equally important to the church and its future.

Part of my contribution to the church's mission was putting together EYC@TCU so that these students could come together to talk about their roles in the church, and I am excited to see what these students do as they continue to grow in faith and leadership. This is the ministry that I believe God is calling me to right now — a ministry of lay leadership and teaching. Someday I may end up ordained and serving in a church. But I know that even if I'm not wearing the robe, there's still a lot I can do, and to lot to be done.