I spent some time recently with a brother in Christ whom I had not seen for several years. In recent years, he has moved from ministry to academics, taking a path roughly parallel to my own experience over the past 15 years as I have alternated between the world of ministry and the world of academics. He struggles in the same way that I have struggled with the call of God in his life and with how he can best serve. He wrote me earlier this week, sharing his heart, “You make ministry very attractive.”
I believe God made me for ministry. He has uniquely gifted me, opened doors, provided opportunities, and confirmed my choices. My time in ministry has sharpened my time in the academic world. My time in academics has made me a better minister and opened even more doors for ministry and missions. I know and love the rhythms of ministry–my life works best in the chaos of human need and constant deadlines.
I hope my friend is right–I hope my life makes ministry attractive. Even more, I hope our lives make the Christian life attractive.