c One can agree that Allen was very thorough in his analysis for identifying the calling on
one’s life from God to enter the ministry. I appreciate how you quoted Galatians and
Paul’s unique situation in his call to preach the gospel and the correlation to Martin
Luther. It reminded me of Romans 9:15. While I agree with Allen’s analysis as being
sound and overall accurate, much like most of life, there are most likely certain
circumstances that, as you said, are the exception and not the rule. One quick example
would be if someone in the church suffered from pride and is envious of an obvious
calling over someone’s life and the effect on the outcome of a decision for the church.
However, I do agree that, as Allen writes, “a rigorous process led by godly men will be a
source of reassurance for you for years.”1 The affirmation of the right people, even
without unanimous consent, goes a long way towards confirming externally what one
believes internally. My personal calling has been very similar to what has been promoted
by Jason Allen. I felt like I was called to the Christian ministry from the very moment I
started having faith in Jesus Christ in college. Even though it was many years ago, I
remember very vividly as I sincerely believed that Jesus wanted me to serve in the
ministry and convert non-believers into His disciples. When I look back at the specific
phase of my life, I have come to the realization that I have answered each of the
questions that have been raised by author Allen. Even though the questions were not put
before me in such a direct manner but I have addressed them in my course of life.
