A common concern I hear in TEC when I suggest that we normalize formal ordination discernment in high school or even middle school so people can start seminary immediately out of college is “people can’t be sure that’s what they want that young” or something like that. 1/6

But I think you really can. I did. Plenty of UMCs and Baptists and nondenoms and other groups normally have people taking leadership in early and mid 20s. 2/6

They do this effectively in a couple ways. First, whether in youth group worship or full congregational worship there are chances for 10-14 yos to try out leading worship. 3/6

Second, they expect or at least support robust engagement in church through high school. This includes robust camping programs. 4/6

Third, there are ample opportunities for paid and unpaid youth and ministry internships through college, often integrated into campus ministry and summer camp programs (as counselors). 5/6

So it’s true that with how our culture is now, it’s going to be hard for people in high school to really conceive of what full-time ministry means. But that just means we need to build a better infrastructure–not keep resigning ourselves to 30-35 being the youngest ordinands. 6/6