Here they are:
1. Church appointment
The most common venue for pastoral ministry is in the local church. A pastor get's appointed to lead a congregation. It may be a small or large congregation. It is interesting to ask the clergy-to-be what would be their goal in their church appointment? Is it to grow the membership of the church or to deepen the faith of the congregation. (I will write on this topic in another post.)
2. Hospital.
Many clergy-to-be become chaplains in hospital. As a medical doctor, I know to well that the hospital is the darkest, saddest, hopeless place for any person. This is precisely the reason that ministry is very important in the hospital - to shine the light of hope Jesus brings to the broken world. Chaplains pursuing this may need to have CPE residency. The compassionate and loving clergy-to-be shines in this area .
3. Mission Field
Or the community. No, I am not talking about church planting. I am talking about reaching to the margins of the community and providing their need. The pastor usually becomes affiliated with faith-based or non-government organizations that focuses on certain needs. This could be community organization, child literacy, orphanages, home for the homeless and other ministry works. World Vision is one example doing this work. The adventurous and outgoing clergy-to-be will enjoy one's time here.
4. Academe
Many would end up teaching in seminaries or religion in colleges and universities. But this also includes religion teachers in high schools and small colleges where forming the mind and heart of the youth is a great ministry. If a clergy to be is inclined to do scholarly research and work, there is always a place for that .
Where did I end up after 5 years?
Well, I basically went to all of the four areas in my five years. I'm waiting where the ministry will lead me next. When that happens, I will add another area of ministry. This is an exciting time to be a clergy.
