Would you be willing to accept a call to action, even knowing you'll fail at the end?

I found my answer to this question when I accepted a 2.5 year leadership program to become a pastor.

This entry will be different from my previous ones. I'll be sharing a personal experience about myself in hopes of enlightening any curious minds. This will also illustrate how the unexpected can affect your plans for the short-term, but can still be sought after for the long-term.

Without further ado, here's a chapter from my story.

From Attendee To Student

My background in church came from a childhood upbringing.

My family started off as Catholic but transitioned into a non-denominational church as I was comprehending what a church was.

Soon enough, I was a regular attendee in church and became a believer when I was 13 years old. I only served in leadership roles within youth groups or mission reports. My pastor soon saw potential in me through my willingness to serve.

When I was entering college, he invited me to a pastor gathering to see upcoming district events. It was here they shared a leadership program for young believers - the LEAD program.

This program was to encourage young adults to further grow their biblical knowledge, to encourage evangelism outside the church, and to foster fellowship within their own communities. This framework followed the pastor's training course in our church district; this allowed anyone who takes the LEAD program to count it for a pastoral degree if they desire.

When I heard of this, I was intrigued to learn more because of the biblical knowledge aspect, knowledge was my craving.

The district leader shared more about the program to my pastor and I, even going into detail on payment plans. I was aware this wouldn't be free as it stated to be an accessible training for pastoral certification. The only hesitation for me was whether this could be balanced out with my studies in college, to which they assured biweekly to monthly cohort gatherings and personal study.

I agreed to join the program believing it'll be beneficial for the long-term.

After signing up and choosing the payment plan, I soon met with my cohort and guiding pastor - for this entry will be called Pastor Rios.

The program soon began.

From Cracks To Crevices

It was engaging to meet other young believers, especially those in college. Although a majority of the cohort were young partners with families of their own, we were still able to connect with the desire to become better equipped in serving.

The materials were very in-depth and I was genuine in learning them. They ranged from theological video series to weekly planners for time management. It was insightful in how having a strong foundation as an individual translated to the impact with other people.

However, the cost began to stack up both financially and time-wise from both college studies and church duties.

I was beginning to push my limit, with minor cracks beginning to appear.

Meanwhile, a highlight of the program was coming up - the District Conference.

This would be my first time traveling on my own at such a long distance. The trip itself was liberating as I didn't have to worry about accommodations and I was free to make my own decisions. The benefits continued to stack as I arrived at the conference.

It was here I visited another church and met with other church region members. We had a good time taking part in a leadership workshop and joining them for their after service meals.

I had a blast and I felt ready to continue with another year of the program.

However, life had other plans for all of us.

I was falling behind on the monthly payments for the program and buying the material was becoming harder to do.

The group was getting smaller as well. Many members quit prior or after the conference; often it was couples choosing to focus on their families or college students choosing to focus solely on their studies.

All of this came to a head when Pastor Rios’ wife passed away, causing our reunions to be on hiatus.

Seeing everyone struggling as well, I made a difficult decision. I requested to opt out of the program.

From Quitting To Revival

At first, I felt guilty for wanting to quit. As much as I expressed my regret while discussing with my cohort leader, we both agreed it was the right thing to do at the time.

In the back of my mind, I recognized this was due to mismanagement of my personal finances and not thinking through on the long-term work I had to put into while studying.

After the call, I felt a sense of sorrow yet relief as if a weight was relieved from my shoulders.

I gained a greater appreciation for pastors after seeing what they had to go through to serve their communities, especially with life's surprises.

It was during the funeral where all of us came back together to be with Pastor Rios. It was comforting to see everyone together again despite the hurdles and pitfalls we've all faced.

This also encouraged me to value young adults who take charge in their lives, to improve themselves for a greater purpose and for others.

How easy is it to call it quits, but rewarding it is to stumble as we continue forward.

I've returned to continue serving in the church, even taking up leadership roles and learning the administration behind the curtains. My other cohort members at this time have either graduated or are growing with their families. Even Pastor Rios was able to work through his loss and continues to inspire others with his faith and love for his community.

His effort and support has inspired me to start a YA Ministry for faithful believers and curious minds to grow together.

All of this is part of my purpose to continue becoming equipped with my polymath nature to better help others, all guided by my faith.

That includes returning to the program in the near future, to complete what I started.

Hope you were able to take away something from this personal anecdote. Thank you for reading and share a moment of perseverance down below.

Blessings!

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