03 >> "How can I prepare myself for an effective ministry within the context of a secular career?"

There are several things you can do. First we'd suggest you work through this 4-part Bible study on the life of Daniel written for students graduating into the business world (coming soon). There is no better example of how to have an impact in a secular job, than the life of Daniel.

Second, as soon as you arrive at your city of employment, look to find a ministry, and get plugged in right away. Obviously you need to do the same with a church, but getting involved with some kind of ministry or college and career group will be critical for training and support. Campus Crusade has a ministry targeted to young professionals called Priority Associates, which you should investigate. They are not in all cities, so go to their web site to see if they have a ministry where you'll be working: priorityassociates.org

The Priority Associates web page also has some resources for effective ministry in the marketplace. Check out their resource page.

But now, let's backtrack. Many Christians fail to develop disciple-building opportunities "on the job," because they simply were never equipped in basic ministry skills they could have learned on campus. So, if you are interested in having a future ministry at your place of work, get involved now with the ministry on campus and also plan on going on a Campus Crusade Summer project. It's some of the best and most intensive ministry training available, and if you have the ability to negotiate the starting date of your job, schedule it after you've gone on a Summer Project. You'll probably never have the two months free again-unless you get fired.

Let me make a final training suggestion: Campus Crusade now offers one-year internships that are really worth looking into. Haven't you thought how nice it would be to go into a business setting with the training and experience of a Crusade staff member? In one year you'll learn a ton, and if you're seeking to spend the rest of your life having an impact for Christ in the marketplace, you couldn't get better training; it's like a year of ministry grad school. It can also give you another year to process your vocational decision, if you're still on the fence, or just like to procrastinate major life decisions.

 

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