God has touched your life through numerous faces. Their experiences provide wonderful lessons. And they know YOU - your heart, gifts, dreams!
- Your Pastor or others you may know
- Parents
- Teachers
- Friends
- Current Church Workers
- Admission Counselors at Concordia University System schools and Seminaries
- Church Work program Coordinators at Concordia University System schools
Your pastor
Talk to your pastor regarding your thoughts of entering a professional church career. Listen for suggestions he may have for making the decision. Ask him to pray with you and for you as you continue on this journey.
Mom or Dad
Your mom and dad know you better than anyone. They will be able to tell you what great gifts God has given you, and who you may be able to help with your gifts.
Keep in mind, your parents may have doubts about you following a church career path, or any career path for that matter. They watched you grow and may have their own ideas for your future.
Practice patience and then try to always include them in discussions about college and career searches. Ask them to pray with you and for you as you continue on this journey.
Teachers
Your teachers know your academic skills, and believe it or not, they care about your future and your success. If you have some ideas about a future career, especially working in the church, ask them if they think you have any of the following skills:
Good speaking skills, Care for people, Task orientation, Patience, Leadership, Generosity, Energy, Honesty, Cooperation, Creativity.
These are important for any career, but you will see them in most pastors, DCEs and other church professionals
Friends
Next to your parents, your friends are who you spend the most time with, and share your greatest secrets. They know what you like and don't like, what makes you laugh and cry. Try talking with them about your faith, and your desire to serve Jesus in everything you do.
But be careful. It is important for you to follow your own path. Often times that means making choices that differ from the group. Encourage them to consider following you to a Lutheran College visit! They may decide it's right for them too.
Be the light to others that they may see Jesus through you.
Other people who work in your church
Ask the other people who work at your church if they like their jobs. What did they do to get where they are? What types of characteristics do they think someone in their position should have? Do they think you have them?
Finally, ask them if there is a way you can help them do their job - you'll get some hands-on learning while helping someone out.
Admission Counselors at Concordia University System schools and Seminaries
Admission counselors are professionals that work at colleges and universities helping prospective students learn about their particular schools. These individuals are often graduates of the schools they work for so have an insiders guide to the student life and the quality education provided there.
These professionals can also answer specific questions you may have regarding the church professional programs offered at their institution.
Church Work program Coordinators at Concordia University System schools
Each Concordia University School which offers church professional programs will have coordinators assigned to each one. These individuals know their programs inside and out. Most of them will meet with you one-on-one, answer e-mails or phone calls. All you need to do is ask!