I especially appreciate that you brought up some valid points regarding the fact
that some things are not within our control; a person cannot control the actions of
his/her spouse. In turn, sometimes divorce is the only option and should not be a
disqualifier to ministry; I am one in this boat. c I agree with you that people change
and that old sin should not stop a person from pursuing ministry. Paul is a prime
example of God turning a life completely around to use for his glory. As Saul, he is
a murderer of Christians, as Paul, he is providing criteria for the ministry calling,
"And He [Christ] gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as
evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for
the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ … "[1] c I feel that if
God can change and use Paul, he most definitely can use anyone he chooses as a
vessel for his ministry. I thought one of the things you said that was great was
when you talk about the subjective part of your calling. You say that there is a pull
by the Spirit to draw close to God. That reminds me of when Whitney says, “The
presence of the Holy Spirit causes all those in whom He resides to have new holy
hunger they didn’t have before.”[1] When God calls us and rescues us, He
transforms our hearts; we become new creations. I’ve seen God grant me
passions and abilities I never would have thought I would have.
I also thought your point about being a husband of one wife was good as well. I
agree with you when you say, “If someone were called into ministry and had sin in
their past that is forgiven, why should the church deny a ministry call?” I think that
is very true. We all have sins in our past that are forgiven by the blood of Christ.
Also, the phrase “a man of one wife” is also in the present tense in Greek. It refers
to currently is a man of one wife. It doesn’t seek to look at one’s past, but a
present reality.
words 200
[1] Jason K Allen (2019). (p. 20). Discerning Your Call to Ministry: How to Know for
Sure and What to Do about It. Retrieved from
https://app.wordsearchbible.lifeway.com
