I am attempting to go on to complete my Ph.D. in apologetics and theology with
the hopes of teaching at a Bible college or university. c As Jason K. Allen points
out, “Every Christian is called to minister… First Corinthians 12-14 and Romans
12 show how God gifts every believer to function in the body of Christ.”[1] But
it is difficult to assess one’s calling and abilities. c Over the years, I have been
active in the teaching ministries and a leader in a church plant. However, I still
find myself doubting my calling at times, which may result from the seemingly
never-ending string of classes necessary to fulfill this calling. c Allen asks the
question, “Do you desire the ministry?”[2] c The answer for me is a definite “yes,”
with the caveat that I desire to teach at a Bible college or university.
Another concern that I have is the ever-changing landscape of the modern
evangelical milieu. c I am a Reformed Baptist who holds to the Second London
Baptist Confession of Faith and the ecumenical creeds. c With the rise of critical
race theory, intersectionality, the LGBTQ+ movement, and gender identity/fluidity
movements, I can see difficulties finding a job in this context.
The work of a minister of Christ requires such strenuous character qualities. c It
is difficult to look at the characteristics of a qualified overseer and say, “I meet
up to that.” c Allen is a little comforting when he writes, “The first phrase, above
reproach, means "to be blameless, above accusation." It doesn't mean "perfect,"
and if it did, churches would be without ministers.”[3] c I know that I am a deeply
flawed and sinful person who, apart from Christ, would not be fit for any
ministry.
[1] Jason K. Allen, Discerning Your Call to Ministry: How to Know for Sure and
What to Do About It (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2016), 19.
[2] Ibid., 26.
[3] Ibid., 38.
