millenials understanding of a "calling" into ministry

Quite regularly our Admissions dept. here at Grace U. Omaha sets up lunch meetings with me and prospective ministry students. One of my first questions to the usually 18-20 year old is, "tell me about your calling into ministry"? I usually find that it is something they have
not really articulated. Particularly, the would-be youth ministry student says they love to work with young people (however they are young people). Often they have had a life-changing youth minister as well. So when it comes time to pick an occupation, they seem to think they might fare well at youth ministry. The word "calling" however really does not seem to be in their vocabulary. Perhaps it is my own background or experience, however I have understood ministry as something that chooses you rather than you choosing it. At 21 I thought God was calling me into ministry although I had no natural interest for it, but ended up answering after coming to and end of myself. I have often heard Spurgeon paraphrased that if you can do anything else but ministry then do it--only go into ministry if absolutely called.
I am trying to put together a program handbook for the ministry department with a section dealing with "understanding your calling" I am curious if others of you who particularly work with undergrads have a similar experience? Feedback on this idea of calling? Resources?etc. Blessings,--Rich Ramsey

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