Looking Forward...to What?

Photo by Katerina Radvanska on Unsplash

Today I had a conversation with a friend in which I was asked what I want to do career-wise. That conversation is what has prompted me to write this post. So, what am I looking forward to doing in the future? What is my heart’s passion and desire? How will my Ministry, Bible and Intercultural Studies background fit into all this? Will I need to further my education beyond my already-acquired bachelor’s degree? Where does India fit into the future, or will it?

To a certain extent, the future seems unclear and quite uncertain. However, it isn’t completely that way. Over the past couple of years, I have debated back and forth over what exactly I would like to do. But, there are some things that are certain in my mind. I know that God has put a desire on my heart to work with children and youth (particularly girls) who have been rescued out of slavery. I know that my passion is for discipleship and helping people to know the wonderful love of God which he has demonstrated through the redemptive work of his Son, Jesus Christ, on the Cross. I know that I want to help hurting people find healing in the grace which has been poured out for us. I know that to do these things, my background in ministry and biblical studies will be absolutely essential. I know that I want to work in a cross-cultural setting. I know that I love the people of India. I also know that I am not yet ready to plunge headfirst into the heart-wrenching, spirit-crushing, soul-wounding world of rescuing and restoring those brought out of slavery. I know that further education is necessary if I am to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to hear the stories of pain and of healing, to provide honest and yet gracious and loving counsel, and to develop discipleship plans that integrate a holistic approach to restoration and true spiritual healing. These are the things I know about the future and my place in it.

So, what is it that I want to do? I eventually want to essentially be a discipleship coordinator for an aftercare center. Two years ago, I had no idea if that was even a thing. I eventually gave up hope of ever doing it, and instead looked into other options, such being a counselor. But, I really do not believe that the “clinical” side of the counseling and healing process fits who I am. Discipleship is my passion, and while there is certainly an aspect of discipleship and spiritual healing that can come with clinical counseling, it is not necessarily the main outcome. Recently, I decided to do a little research and discovered that the discipleship coordinator (or something similar) is real thing! Seriously, I am so excited! For now, I am hoping to find a ministry position where I can continue to develop ministry and relational skills as well as gain general experience.

How does my background fit into this? It’s probably a bit of a no-brainer, but the knowledge I have gained in my Bible and Theology classes will be necessary if I am to teach the truth about God, sin, salvation, redemption, and any other topic found in Scripture. My ministry classes have provided the basic skills and knowledge that I will need as I develop curriculum, teach lessons, and mentor young woman and girls.

What kind of education will I need beyond a Bachelor of Science in Ministry, Bible and Intercultural Studies? I am looking at potentially obtaining either an M.A. (two year) or a M.Div. in Intercultural Ministries, which would provide me with more Bible, Theology and Ministry classes, as well as affording me the opportunity to take a couple of counseling classes. In addition, it would provide me with additional credentials. It is exciting and terrifying at the same time.

Where does India fit into this picture? Honestly, I have no idea. I love India, I love the Indian people, I loved being in India, I would love to go back. If I had the opportunity and the resources, I would move there in a heartbeat. I do know that there are organizations in India doing the type of work I am looking to pursue. I also know that there is a need for people who are willing to direct some of this work. So, if the Lord continues to put a burden on my heart for India, and if he provides an opportunity to serve him there, then I will go. Otherwise, I know that God will put me exactly where he wants me to be, whether it is India, Europe, the U.S., the Middle East, an African country, or anywhere else on the planet.

Does any of this matter? From my (very) human perspective, it matters. It matters because I like to know what goal I am pursuing. It matters because I like planning for the future. It matters because I like being prepared for whatever I end up doing. It matters because I know other people (perhaps, even including you!) are curious, and/or would like to know how you can be a part of whatever God calls me to do.

But, do any of those things matter in the long run? Do they matter in eternity? Honestly, the only things that will matter in eternity will be whether I obeyed the call of God on my life, whether I wholeheartedly followed Jesus, and whether I spent my life being a vessel used by him to bring lost and broken people back to himself. Those are the things that really matter.