Ministry and the Business World

Something I’ve really been thinking about a lot during class is the idea of entering into ministry. Even today, we had a guest speaker, Luke, who shared his journey of entering ministry, something he never thought would be part of his life. That really stuck with me as I have considered ministry before too. At the same time, I’ve also felt very called to the business world, specifically the financial industry. Since I was young, I’ve had a strong sense that I’m supposed to work in finance, and I know there’s so much good a Christian financial advisor can do in the world. I’ve always wanted to make a difference and help grow the Kingdom, and I truly believe that’s a space where I can do that. But hearing Luke’s story got me thinking more deeply about how I could serve in ministry while still holding a full-time job. It reminded me that ministry doesn’t have to be a full-time career it can be lived out in so many different ways. I’ve been in contact with my local Young Life leaders to explore how I can be involved in ministry while working full-time in business. I think that’s such an exciting opportunity because it gives me the chance to pour into high school students the same way leaders poured into me when I was their age. Looking back, I now realize that those Young Life leaders, teachers, and mentors rarely get to see the full fruit of the work they pour into students. They consistently share the gospel, speak truth, and walk alongside students through high school only to watch them move on to college. And college, as I’ve seen firsthand, is one of the most influential and critical times in a young adult’s spiritual life. It can be a season of either growth or drift. About a year ago, I met up with my former Young Life leader from high school to share how God has been working in my life, especially through the ministry on campus at Grove City. He was so encouraged by it and grateful that I took the time to share. That conversation led us into a deeper discussion about ministry. He asked if I had ever considered it, and I told him that I definitely had but that I’ve always felt called to the financial world, where I still believe I can make a real impact. He then introduced the idea of part-time ministry, which was something I had honestly never even considered. That conversation opened my eyes to a path I hadn’t thought about before a path where I could do both: pursue a full-time career in business and be actively involved in ministry. I think this is such a unique and valuable opportunity, and one that more young adults should consider. We often think of ministry as something reserved for pastors or missionaries, but in reality, God can use us in powerful ways while we work in the marketplace As of now, I think I’m going to pursue becoming a Young Life leader after I graduate serving part-time while working full-time. The Lord has blessed me with a gift for connecting with young adults, and I really feel this is a special opportunity to use those gifts to serve His Kingdom.