Ministry after Campus

The
reality of a finalist

Many finalists grapple with the issue of uncertainty; where and how to settle after campus and securing a job so as to attain stability in life. It is never easy as testified by many and during my last semester, in 2017, I wondered whether I would give the same testimony. Did I have everything figured out? Perhaps, but then God had a totally different plan for me altogether. He called me to ministry. I joined the Short Term Experience in Ministry (STEM), internship program by FOCUS Kenya. I got to learn quite a lot through mentorship in STEM. I acquired, among many, Biblical Interpretation skills, sermon making, training skills and I experienced growth in my interpersonal and social skills. I as well discovered abilities that were seemingly hidden. My entire value system was changed. The STEM experience is one of a kind and I count myself the privilege to have gone through it.

Why ministry?

One of my convictions for
joining ministry was the fact that I knew we are co-workers with God in His great
mission of restoring humanity back to himself. Through Matthew 28:19, I learnt
of this amazing assignment given to us by Christ and that He is with us till
the end of age. This assured me of God’s presence as I ventured into His
service.

Making the decision

It is a question of what would
help one decide whether to join “full time ministry” such as FOCUS or serve God
in the market place. Just like any other major decision in one’s life, it may
not be a straight jacket process. Of course you need to have learnt the art of
listening and hearing God. Eli was more familiar with God’s voice in comparison
to Samuel, when he heard God for the first time (1 Samuel 3). As you
prayerfully consider the invitation to join any ministry, there are critical
questions to think about: Is this the direction God is leading you to? Is it
just for our personal satisfaction and pride? Is it out of peer pressure or
trying to impress someone? If there were other openings, would I still choose
ministry? God alone can make things clearer. But also, consider mentorship from
a mature Christian for more illumination on the area. We also need to question our
motivation. I am reminded of the words of Hudson Taylor in a prayer he made
after he got born again “Dear God please give me some work to do for you, as an
outlet for my love”. It is on this evening as he fellowshipped with the Lord
that he knew God had called him to China to be a missionary. He experienced
this unmistakable awareness that convinced him that indeed it was his love for
God that motivated him into missionary assignment.

Challenges

The experience in STEM was
very demanding. You are always in service of other people. Subjectively, I
think if one is not careful about intentionally growing in their spiritual walk
with the Lord, they can easily get drained. I thought simply because I was in a
religious environment, automatically, I would grow spiritually. It was not the
case. It requires a balance and intentionality.

We all are full time ministers

STEM is a one year program so
my term ended on 28^th of July 2018. It is almost a year now since
convocation yet I still feel like a STEM staff. I get students calling for my
attention invitations to speaking engagements. I still have a burden for the
young people; to pray and walk with them. In my new environment, I feel burdened
to let the word of God known to my colleagues. I have easily been spotted to
still serve in FOCUS as an Associate through ministry engagements and other
students. I am convinced that it neither matters where the serving place is nor
does one need to be a full time minister. Market place evangelism has proven to
be an area in ministry that all Christian workers need to embrace and act upon.
I am persuaded that we can preach the gospel and actively serve God even
outside the “full time” ministry arenas.

Conclusion

Indeed,
STEM was not just another year I had to live by so that I can move on with my
life. It was an equipping session that I needed to go through to live out my
life as a Christian. Exposure to the short-term missions, and ministry
opportunities should help us carry out the mandate that Christ gave us all,
effectively; to go make disciples.