I know what you are going through. I experienced a clear call to pastoral ministry 7 years ago shortly after my conversion. I then spent 5 more years working in a factory dying to become a pastor. And then I got burnt and burnt again. But God used these to challenge my beliefs about God, the world, and the Kingdom. 2 years ago, my factory announced that they would be shutting down. It was a blow to us since we were living the typical American life with a nice house, 2 cars, 2 dogs, and a cat. But my old job also provided a severance package with a full ride scholarship to any school I wanted to attend. After agonizing prayer, God showed us the way. I ended up at Union University. It is a SBC university but it sure doesn’t feel like it. I always thought that I would graduate and end up an independent church or something like it ( I identify with the emerging church on a lot of things). God has now led us back to the church I grew up in: The United Methodist Church (it has a lot of problems but it’ alright as long as I know God is leading). So, it looks like I will be heading to seminary as well.

I just wanted to say that your comment that God’s guidance comes first is right on. I don’t know why Christians talk about God as if he is not right here among us. I was really refreshed by Dallas Willard’s straight-up book on the subject (Hearing God). Going in to ministry should scare the hell out of us. But it should also scare us into complete dependence on our great and awesome God who knows the beginning and the end.

May God bless you as you particapate with Him on his mission to bless the nations.