A thought on why many feel called to a ministry/pastoral role when they first become Christians by Ken Leaver Jr.

"I have met many people who when they first became a Christian, that is, they accepted Jesus Christ as Lord for themselves, many after their becoming a Brother/Sister in Christ, they immediatley feel a calling to enter into the ministry/pastor field. When has recently come to mind is, that this calling, is not just some over-reaction to the love, peace, and joy one experiences when one comes to know Jesus Christ as Lord, but is a genuine calling by God for all to be ministers, for all to be in the priesthood, to care for one another just as many see the "pastor" being responsible for, and it's not until this world, which a great deal of the Church sadly has conformed to in many ways, with it's academic pressures, and negative feedback on the basis that not everyone is called to the "ministry" or meant to be "pastors" and are actually discouraged (I've seen this happen not only to others but myself!) from pursuing a career and that the role of "pastor" should be left to the "professionals". "

"But here's the point i'm trying to make. Or at least one of points. There ARE no leadership positions in the Church, other than Jesus Christ as Lord, High Priest, Head of the Body of Christ, Leader of the Church. Yes there are 'overseers/elders" but those are not offices that were created, rather they were more recognition of those who are mature enough to be entrusted to help in the Holy Spirit's work in guiding the Church to the Truth. It would be difficult for someone who is very young, to help protect others in comparison to someone who is more mature in their relationship with God. But being an elder is not being a leader, for we still are all equal. This is why when I say we are all "called" to the ministry, and many interpret that as being caleld to become a Pastor, I am suggesting that, that is exactly what God is calling us to do. That is help each other as we now see how the Pastor is supposed to do. Help in deciding what is sung and for who and what to pray for during worship (as in how many "House Churches" do), sharing what the Holy Spirit has taught you, etc. It's not that we are supposed to abandon our careers. This is in addtion to our careers. You may ask, how can we do that?! Well, I would respond by showing that Paul did it. In addition to "planting" the many churches, he also worked and until his later years when he was in prison, he performed a trade and supported himself. He didn't recieve a salary and he made a point to make it clear that they were not to send him money or other things for it was important for him not to receive for it is better to give than it is to receive. (Acts)"