Called to More: Why I Chose Pastoral Ministry by Alexis

Called to More: Why I Chose Pastoral Ministry by Alexis - April 2025 Scholarship Essay

I’m currently a college student majoring in Pastoral Ministry, and this path means everything to me. It’s not just something I study—it’s something I’ve lived, something that has grown out of deep personal experience, pain, healing, and the undeniable presence of God in my life. I didn’t always think I’d end up here. For a long time, I felt like I needed to pursue a safer or more “expected” path, but the truth is, ministry kept pulling on my heart in a way I couldn’t ignore. Choosing this major wasn’t just about what I’m passionate about—it was about being obedient to what God has placed on my life. I’ve experienced moments of deep hurt and shame, times when I believed I wasn’t good enough, or that I had gone too far to ever come back. But the Lord met me in that place. He didn’t just pull me out—He gave me a vision of how He could use my story to reach others. That realization changed everything. I chose Pastoral Ministry because I want to be a light in dark places. I want to walk with people through their hardest seasons and help them know they are not alone. Whether they’re sitting in a church pew or just trying to survive another day, I want to be someone who reminds them of their worth and of God’s love. I want my life to reflect Christ—not just in words, but in how I show up for people. This major is helping prepare me for that. I’m learning how to lead with humility, speak with truth and grace, and create spaces where healing can happen. It’s not easy, and there are days when I question if I’m really capable of this. But then I remember why I started: because I know what it’s like to feel unseen, and I never want anyone else to feel that way if I can help it. Alongside school, I’m a college cheerleader, and even in that space, I see ministry opportunities. I get to build relationships, show up for my teammates, and be a reflection of God’s love through everyday actions. Ministry isn’t limited to a pulpit—it’s in every conversation, every act of kindness, every moment we choose to love others like Jesus does. In the end, I chose this major because I want my life to mean something more than just success. I want it to mean purpose. I want to be used by God to bring hope, healing, and love into the lives of others. That’s what Pastoral Ministry allows me to pursue—and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.