04/12/2023
ECWA Theological Seminary, Jos - JETS undergraduates who just graduated 2 days ago, here's a story you don't want to miss, because you may not hear it as clear as this in the next 2-3 years (due to the pressure that will test your ability to make decisions after graduation).
Precisely 5 years ago, (many of you haven't applied to JETS then), I graduated, just like you. I was filled with joy, hope and fire to change the world. But as inspiring as it was, I was faced with pressures, uncertainty and SAPA came almost immediately.
I applied to many DCCs but I am yet to get called by many of them (maybe it will come next year). I got the opportunity to work in a Pentecostal Church, but because of the dissecting lines between the two church traditions, I couldn't fill the form. I also planned to starting a church, but the willpower (which many Pentecostal Young pastors have, and use to start the several churches that has contributed to the proliferation of churches in Nigeria) was lacking.
I got another opportunity, through an insider to work in a church, this time, I strongly felt that this wasn't "my place." In other words, I will just be a square peg in a round hole. So I turned down the offer that could have landed me a job in the late 2019.
2020, I was struggling to pay my fees for the MA I started without a job and enough support. I had to miss exams, be sent out of class for not paying school fees, go through the psychological trauma of not paying school fees. (I never had this experience as an Undergraduate because my parents could sponsor me, but as an MA student, this was not happening).
Soon, SAPA became a reality. Allowances stopped coming, and we had to leave the school hostel since were were done with our coursework. SAPA came like a bandit; we did not have the money to rent an apartment, buy food stuffs, and we could no longer stay in school where friends can help. Me and my friends, Bishop Dubani M. Jonathan, and Paul Gona Danladi talked to ourselves. We did a brain reset that told us the truth which is: (1) "God's vineyard is bigger than your current denomination, (2) the fact that ECWA Seminaries are graduating hundreds of clergies yearly and the available churches that need Pastors are limited, informed us to rethink where we were called to serve, and the definition of our calling (3), you don't have to be on the church's payroll to work for the church.
Soon, I got a job with an NGO through a friend. I took this job as my funding base, while I used the earnings for my family, and ministry in the church where I volunteer.
The Job with the NGO is a contract, and knowing that its not going to last, and understanding that ministry in a Students-based church has been the type of congregation I have always longed since my secondary school days (you want full story? Come to my DM), I started working on another job.
I took quick scan through the jobs that are in high demand, and started taking courses. 3 months ago I earned a certificate in Social Media Marketing, and 2 months ago, I got a Job as a social media marketer. I am currently pursuing a job as a Digital marketer with the payment in US Dollars.
From my 5 years of experience after graduation, I can tell you the following:
1. Starting seminary without a skill that earns you money at least weekly is the biggest mistake you have made.
2. Because of 1 above, except you get a job by January 2024, you will be under great pressure to get one and get married.
3. Ministry without a funding based will likely choke you financially and spiritually.
4. You can work anywhere and still be willing to serve as a Pastor where the need arises.
Do you want to avoid making my mistakes and make profitable gain from my 5 years of experience?
Hit this link https://chat.whatsapp.com/FS36rrIPeW5AV1xWUDFYqb to Join my WhatsApp Group where I will share top secrets on "Starting Ministry after Graduation"
