Questioning what I want to major in

[Mr. SmartyPants]

Well... in the past year I've wanted to become a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist... but recently God has been showing me that I have a knack of public speaking, able to convey good messages, getting me interested in apologetics (yay Ravi!) and listening to sermons on the radio and such

So I have this feeling that God wants me to be something else.... like something in the ministry field... like a youth minister or something

well what do you all think? Well yes I will pray about this, but what do you have to say?

[Eriana]

I think you would be excellent in the ministry! ^_~*
If you feel like that's what God has for you, go for it! ^_~*
I know I'm rooting for you!

[soul alive]

From what I have seen, you have a definate gift for writing. Coupled with a talent for public speaking, I think you might indeed be well suited for something in the ministry. Maybe as a youth pastor. It is definately a tough thing to go through, trying to figure out what you are supposed to do in life.

If you are interrested in getting a perspective, WhiteKnight23 is currently a psych major, and is planning on doing some ministry training after he gets that degree, and going into youth pastoring (I'm not sure on the specifics). He isn't around here much, but if you want you can PM him, and let me know, and I can tell him that he needs to check for it.

Will pray for you on this.

[meboeck]

I think you would be awesome in ministry! But a psych focus in college might still be a good way to go since you have that interest. A lot of pastors do a lot of counseling, so a psych backround would be really beneficial.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

hmmmm

yeah cause I was thinking of doing the whole "having a psych degree and going into minstry" type of thing

I guess i see no harm in doing both!

XD Actually I too want to work with the youth (like around highschool age)

oh and soul alive, I also know that spiritsword is a psychologist in a school, I pmed her once ^^;;

[agasfas]

Hey man, the first two years of college I was in a ball of confusion about what I wanted to major in. The first year I was undeclared, then decided my sophomore year I wanted to be a teacher. I really wanted to connect with the kids. Then this past summer I was taking a summer course and I had a feeling that this isn't what I wanted to do. So all summer I was searching hard for answers.

The basic fact still remains I want to help people but how? So I looked into the Social Work Program here at Texas State. Sure it seems like I'm the only "conservative" there, but whatever. The social work field was so diverse that it left me options in what specific field I could work in: schools, court system, counsilor, child protective services, hospitals, work with elderly etc...

Still on occasion I doubt and question, but I take it a day at a time and trust the Lord will lead me. You still have a few years before college right? It's only natural to not know what exactly you want to do. Heck I still search for answers. But at least your thinking about options and not limiting yourself. If God calls you to the ministry that will be awesome. I think you would do well there. If it's something else, then that's okay too.

I eventually want to work in the ministry too, though not as a pastor/minister but more like a youth minister or something.

I'll be sure to pray for you. Good luck!

[soul alive]

Just a thought. WhiteKnight is in psych with the intent of using it for the ministry. It's always good to talk with as many different people as possible have or are going to have experience in what you want to do. ^^

[Fsiphskilm]

No matt

[~Natsumi Lam~]

i would think on it more because maybe God gave you that talent and ability for the field you really want to work in. You dont have to become a pastor to affect others with your nack for speaking and ministering. Every field needs a person who is strong in their beliefs and speaking skills so that God can use that person to move mountains right where they are.[B] A lot of people wont listen to a "pastor" but a lot more people will listen to someone who works with them. God leaves room in our lives to persue our personal goals and to follow His call for us. [/B]

~NL~

[Rev. Doc]

hmmmm

yeah cause I was thinking of doing the whole "having a psych degree and going into minstry" type of thing

Be aware however, that most pastors are leaning away from counseling today.

As an example, I will only do pre-marital counseling and first contact marriage counseling. Any counseling dealing with deeper issues and that will go into multipule sessions I refer to local christian counselors. Why? Sadly the issue of lawsuits now comes into play in regard to any counseling work you do. Anyone working in this area needs to be insured to protect them and their church from financial ruin.

Granted, if you are pastoring and do have a background or degree in counseling you are better prepared than most pastors. However, on the average pastor's salary many find it hard to afford the financial protection they will need to do this work.

Many larger churches do employ trained counselors placing them on their ministry staff. This would allow for you to counsel while having some opportunities for speaking.

[mitsuki lover]

Have you considered Poli Sci for a major.Seriously,have you?

[Mr. SmartyPants]

Have you considered Poli Sci for a major.Seriously,have you?

nope... and I don't want to ^^;; (major in it that is)

[mitsuki lover]

Well it was just a thought.One thing,though that I have learned is that one should
never say never,unless you are very sure of yourself.