You’ve just graduated and you feel drawn toward ministry, but you’re not sure if it’s where God is truly calling you.
Maybe people have told you, “You’d be great in ministry,” or you’ve loved serving in church and wonder what it would be like to do it full-time. But you also have questions:
- How can I tell if this is really what God wants for me?
- What if I step into ministry and realize it’s not the right fit?
Those questions aren’t signs of doubt—they’re part of discerning your calling.
The good news is you don’t have to figure it out all at once or on your own. Here are a few steps you can take to explore your calling and discover if ministry might be the right next step for you after graduation.
Discern Your Calling with God
The first step isn’t to make a career decision—it’s to seek clarity from the one who created you.
Spend time in prayer, journaling, and reflecting on how God has uniquely wired you. He often reveals pieces of our calling through our design, passions, and past experiences.
Try asking:
- God, where do I come alive when I serve others?
- What gifts or skills have others affirmed in me?
- What breaks my heart that breaks yours?
Write down what comes to mind and look for patterns. This kind of honest reflection can help you start to see where God may be leading—and whether ministry could be the right fit.
Seek Wise Voices Around You
God often uses other people to confirm our calling. So, talk to them!
Reach out to pastors, mentors, or former ministry leaders who know you well and love Jesus. Ask them what they see in you and invite their honest feedback. Their encouragement—or even their redirection—can be invaluable as you discern your next steps.
Consider a Ministry Residency
If ministry still feels like the right fit after exploring, the next step could be an internship or residency.
This kind of experience gives you:
- Hands-on experience in real ministry environments
- Mentorship from seasoned leaders
- Time and space to grow while discerning your long-term calling
The DEVELUP program at LCBC is designed for exactly this purpose—to help recent college graduates explore their calling, develop their skills, and serve alongside LCBC staff in meaningful ways.
Is DEVELUP Right for You?
It's hard to fully know if ministry is right for you without experiencing it firsthand. That’s why we created DEVELUP for a Day—a no-pressure opportunity to connect with members of our DEVELUP Leadership Team, hear from current DEVELUP Staff, and have lots of opportunities to ask questions about the program.
It’s a simple, low-risk way to test the waters and discover where you might fit.
→ Explore DEVELUP for a Day
→ Learn more about DEVELUP
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Here are some more tips to figure out what career God wants for you—whether it’s ministry, the marketplace, or somewhere else!
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LCBC stands for Lives Changed By Christ. We are one church in multiple locations across Pennsylvania. Find the location closest to you or join us for Church Online. We can’t wait to connect with you!