Allen argues that it is important to ascertain that God has called you to the
ministry.[1] c It is too much to bear to be in ministry without assurance the God
has called you, and it is also too glorious to neglect God’s call to ministry.[2] He
explains calling as (1) called to minister, (2) called to ministry, and (3) called to
the ministry.[3] All believers are called to minister; that is, to edify and build the
body of Christ.[4] c Those called to ministry may serve in a vocation with a direct
ministerial component or be in any position as long as they serve with a sense of
calling unto the Lord.[5] c The third category is called to the ministry, a calling to
minister God’s Word; a call to preach or teach the Gospel of Christ.[6] c The call to
the ministry is the focus of Allen’s book.
All believers are called to serve in ministry, but only a few have been called to
minister the Gospel.[7] c To discern if one has been truly called to the ministry,
Allen provides ten questions that serve as a self-examination. The questions are
wide-ranging, well thought out, and supported with biblical references. c They range
from desire and character to a love of people and willingness to surrender. Allen
is to be commended for his efficiency, thoroughness, and clarity in addressing
such an important topic. c I agree with most of what he has proclaimed, but there
are a few areas where we may not agree.
For example, Allen rightly pointed out that a call to ministry starts with an internal
desire.[8] c He mentioned that ministry teams/boards should vet and affirm one’s
calling, and I agree.[9] Allen asserts that the congregation should also have a
vetting and affirming role for those called for ministry.[10] c In theory, this sounds
great, but I believe this requirement may be suitable as an exception and not the
rule.
The apostle Paul contended that when God called him to preach Christ, he did not
confer with flesh and blood or go to Jerusalem to see the apostles (Gal 1:16-
17).[11] c After three years, Paul did see Peter and James, but it was fourteen
years before he received the apostles’ approval, the right hand of fellowship (Gal
2:1, 9). c Moreover, what about those that come in conflict with the church, such as
Martin Luther. c Also, how do we handle the situation in which God calls someone,
but they serve in an environment where the overseer and the congregation do not
necessarily agree that the person has been called. c Oversight and affirmation of
one’s calling is important, but I do not advocate for the affirmation of the entire
congregation.
There are similarities and differences between my call to ministry and Allen’s call. c
Like Allen, I was concerned that I might not be worthy of the call, but I never
questioned if it was an appropriate desire. Allen shares that he felt he was
navigating through a maze.[12] c When I sense the calling, there was no confusion;
I knew without a doubt God was calling me to teach and preach His divine Word. c
Before I was called, I had a thirst for God’s Word. c I could spend all day reading
and studying God’s Word. c Allen had a sense of his calling and started serving in
various ministry roles. c Unlike Allen, I did not start with a sense of my calling, I just
saw a need for people to serve in the church, so I accepted the opportunity to
serve. c I taught Bible Study, served two days a month in prison, led our Men’s
group, served as ministry coordinator/administration, and occasionally taught and
preached on Sunday, all without ever thinking about whether I was called. So, the
night I sense a divine calling from God, it was a confirmation of much of what I
was already doing. c
I believe it is okay to question God’s call on our life for ministry. c God understands
our uncertainties and doubts. c He knows that we will always feel that we cannot
do what He calls us to do. c God’s calling is always beyond what we personally can
do. c It is more about what God can do through us. We are in good company when
we question God’s call. c Moses questioned God’s call (Exod 4:10), and so did the
prophet Jeremiah (Jer 1:6). It is okay to question God’s call as long as we are
obedient to His call.
[1] Jason K. Allen, Discerning Your Call to Ministry: How to Know for Sure and What
to Do about It (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2016), 16.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid., 19, 21.
[4] Ibid., 19.
[5] Ibid., 20-21.
[6] Ibid., 22.
[7] Ibid., 16, 24.
[8] Ibid., 24.
[9] Ibid., 76.
[10] Ibid.
[11] Unless otherwise noted, all biblical passages referenced are in the New King
James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982).
[12] Allen, Discerning Your Call to Ministry, 13-14.
