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Questions & Answers

Spiritual Ambition

Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef › Spiritual Life › Spiritual Ambition

The question

I am in middle school and have a great desire to be a teacher at the Coptic Orthodox school at Nashville when I get older. Later in my life I want to become a professor at the theology school, and finally become a monk if God is willing. I need more details on how to do this at your diocese and some of the basic details.

The answer

The greatest teachers are disciples. Our beloved Church is built on the love and labor of the Lord's disciples, and their disciples,...until now. When the Lord Jesus Christ began His ministry, He called twelve men and made them His disciples. They followed Him, watched Him, prayed with Him, and learned from Him, how to worship, know the Holy Scripture, and show mercy to others. To prepare for service, you should be attending Sunday school on a regular basis. The better you are as a student, the better you will be as a teacher. At your age now, you should have a regular Father Confessor. Ask him, and the priest at your church (if it is someone different), when you may join the servant's preparatory class. When your Father Confessor knows you well, He will be able to guide you to the area where there is a need and where you can be most effective in serving. You do not need to choose the precise service for yourself because God knows your heart's desire to serve Him and He knows you best. If you wish to teach at the Coptic school in Nashville, you can study Education, in general, or a specific subject area, like science, history, etc., in college. Teachers in the theological seminary are servants who have studied a particular area that is included in the theological seminary curriculum and have the ability, knowledge, dedication, experience, and spirituality needed to teach specific material thoroughly and humbly. 
 
"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ" (Colossians 3:23-24).

Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)

Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Question 2477 on the Diocese’s Q&A site. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.