College?

One thing that the parable of the workers tells us is that God can and does save and call us at various times in our lives. God's salvation is the same for one who comes late in life as it is for one who comes early in life, although the quality of this life will certainly be affected by when you make that decision to accept God's love in Jesus Christ. The same is also true about the call to ministry - God calls people early and he calls them late in life. Many of our most faithful ministers of the gospel have been called in their 30s or 40s or ever later after having been saved a little later in life. That is why I have always supported the alternative ministerial training opportunities the Assemblies of God have traditionally offered. They are vital, especially for those whose call to ministry precludes them from attending the traditional 4 year college. But that doesn't mean that we should ignore the traditional route. Indeed, if someone has been privileged to come to the Lord at an early age and to be called to ministry, perhaps while in High School, I still think that getting one's theological education at one of our 4 year colleges is the preferred route. I know it is expensive - but our God will always help us with what He has called us to. So if you are younger and sensing a call of God to ministry - don't hesitate to check out some of those admittedly expensive, but excellent colleges. You will be pastoring people who have 4 year degrees. It will help if you have one, too. Or, that is at least how it seems to me!

Pastor Ken