The years between 22 and 32 years old can be some of the most exciting or most difficult of one’s life. For many of you, you are now a college graduate!

Congratulations!

But as the grad gifts are deposited in the bank and your stuff must somehow fit back in your old bedroom at home, you find yourself saying, "Now what?”

You’re not alone. Whether you’re a Bible college graduate or liberal arts degree earner, things often turn out differently than anticipated. Over 50 percent of college graduate end up in jobs that don’t require a college education, a phenomenon known as underemployment.[1]Many of you have college debts to pay off, maybe even a substantial amount that will take years of repayment. Or perhaps you are like many that find that the career you’ve prepared for is no longer the career you want to pursue.

No matter what scenario you’re in, there is always hope. Infact, you are in a critical time to leverage your life for Christ.

How can you leverage your “in-between” for future ministry?

Preparation for missions goes far beyond formal education. Maturing in personal responsibility and interpersonal relationships is critical. Other qualities are needed in vocational ministry too. Now that you’ve gotten this far, don’t stop growing. Here are five growth opportunities for young adults during the “in-between.”

Prioritize financial freedom.

In ministry (as in life), financial responsibilities continue. Being a missionary means becoming a partner with others through financial support. This requires a readiness to be a good and reliable steward. So prioritize paying off academic debt, and avoid accumulating further debt through credit cards. Work whatever job you can get, maybe more than one, to keep financially sound, and prioritize giving to your church and staying on a budget.

Keep the ministry fire burning and growing.

Maybe you’ve always dreamed of a more active role in ministry. Perhaps that desire even motivated your choices for college. Don’t lose that fire. Add fuel to the flames by settling back into a local church and finding ways to serve. Push yourself to roles that force you to grow. Consider enlisting others and embrace a ministry of evangelism together. When we faithfully share Christ, we grow even more eager to share Him again. That kind of growing passion is so important for a future in missions.

Grow in the Word, for yourself and others.

The fruitful servant of Christ needs to have a broad, working knowledge of Scripture to deepen their relationship with God and to demonstrate a life lived for Christ. Work with your pastor or trusted spiritual mentor to implement the right tools to better understand God’s Word. Then jump in to share that knowledge with others and to disciple younger believers. Setup a regular Bible study with a Christian friend or an unbelieving person who is interested to know more.

Embrace the awkwardness of multigenerational relationships.

Maybe you aren’t sure where you fit in as an adult in your local church. You may feel quite alone, without peers close to your age. It’s good to realize that the transition into fully independent adulthood comes with some awkwardness. This new phase requires you to embrace relationships with people in different stages of life than you. Push through the clumsiness of these new relationships. Give grace to older people that don’t get where you are. Show the love of Christ to other young adults that have a very different experience than yours. Be a contributing member to the whole body, doing your part to build unity. Don’t be guilty of a mindset that says, “I have no need of you” (1Cor. 12:21).

Don’t fear failure (or missing out).

We all live with a heightened awareness of shame. The expectations that the culture places on us for success make us hesitant to try something significant. Perhaps this resonates strongly with you. You feel frozen. You don’t want to regret your decision to go in one ministry direction or another. To add to that, “every other 20-something” seems to be enjoying so many cool experiences. But what about you?

These fears of failure or of missing out are not realistic. More importantly, they aren’t biblical. In fact, they fall into the category of “the cares of this world” that choke the Word (Matt 13:22) and “worries” that distract us from seeking first His kingdom (Matt 6:25-34). Cast your concerns on the Lord and let His trustworthiness and care be evident as you walk ahead in faith.

God remains with you in the “in-between.” His presence, His care, His shepherding—these all remain yours even now. So don’t waste this moment. Seek ministry where you are in life, even if it’s a time of waiting. Further, with God’s wisdom and godly counsel, don’t hesitate to move ahead in obedience to Christ with endeavors that contribute to eternity.