How Online Ministry Classes Changed a 40-Year-Old Student’s Life Skip to content

December 17, 2021

Surrendering to God’s Call: How Online Ministry Classes Changed a 40-Year-Old Student’s Life

Pursuing a degree in ministry is a huge undertaking — especially for a full-time employee, part-time associate pastor, husband, and father to three kids under the age of 12! Jason Fields has a hectic and busy schedule, but he decided to pursue a master’s degree when he learned of Grace College’s online master of ministry studies program’s flexibility and affordability. 

For those of you who are considering taking a leap of faith — lean in as Fields shares his story!

Jason Field’s Story

The online ministry classes from the Master in Ministry Studies through Grace Seminary are exactly what I’ve been praying for as I considered how to go into ministry. Everyone from the administration to the professors has shown immense care and love. You can truly tell how much passion they have for what they do. I am enjoying my degree in ministry studies, but ministry was definitely not where I started.

This may sound a bit crazy, but I am now forty years old and am just now following the call of Jesus. 

The Calling

When I was in high school, I felt the calling of ministry in my life, but I ran from it. It was not until a few years ago that I finally surrendered to the call.

My father was very ill with leukemia. One evening, while I was at the hospital, I remember one of the nurses came up to me, sparked a conversation, and asked me where I went to church. After a few minutes of discussing religion, I heard God ask me, “Jason, are you ready to surrender to me?” It was then that my path changed. I started thinking about how to go into ministry. My first step was looking for online ministry classes. I knew that if this is my calling, then I better give it all I have.

So, at the age of thirty-seven, a husband, father, and territory manager, I took on a completely new role and pursued online ministry classes. So many questions swirled through my head. Where will I go back to school? How will I balance everything? How am I going to pay for this? All of these questions were adding a significant sense of pressure into my day-to-day life. 

The Direction

I spent a significant time in prayer. I prayed about how to go into ministry, what degree to pursue, and what route to take. After many evenings listening for God, I knew my degree was to be in evangelism. I was finally ready for the next step in my education and in the early summer of 2021, I heard about the online ministry classes through the Master of Ministry Studies at Grace College. 

I spoke with Dr. Lambert about Grace College and the online programs. The Master of Ministry Studies aligned exactly with what I needed. It would not only help me pursue what would be my role as a part-time associate pastor but also give me great experience in business and leadership that would increase my skills in my role as a territory manager. 

The Degree

Early on in the degree, my head was spinning! I had so many questions about using the online programs, getting in touch with certain professors, and operating the online library; but every time I needed help, I had someone who was always available to assist.       

The things I’m learning in my online ministry classes have helped me tremendously in my role as a pastor. Along the way, my thinking about God and His Word has been stretched and strengthened. I have even been able to take bits and pieces from my classes and put them into some of my messages when I preach! 

The education just feels different here at Grace. It’s an authentic and passionate style of learning that continually helps me in my overall ministry life. 

For those wondering how to go into ministry with all you have, this program is perfect for you. I believe that the education and mentoring that I am receiving here in my online ministry classes will help open even more doors as I continue in the calling of life that Christ has given me. 

For His Glory!

Are you interested in developing your skills in ministry? Grace College & Theological Seminary offers a Master of Ministry Studies which provides the education and flexibility to pursue ministry in a new way! Request info here or visit our website to learn more!

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