The call to ministry has always been something I have taken seriously. It is my
personal belief that far too many people are in high positions within the church
because wanted to be there and were not necessarily call by God. Some do it for
personal reasons, others do it for financial ones, but I always have issues with
those who use God's ministry for personal gain. when I reviewed my call to
ministry, it takes me back to my pastor who was very strict. When I announced my
calling, he made me wait seven years before I ever got to stand behind the pulpit
to preach. Having to wait motivated me and grew my interest in biblical
knowledge. Overtime, this knowledge began to bleed out and I found myself
actively teaching those around me in all aspects of life. Much like Allen mentioned
in his book, the desire to teach is an essential component when called to the
ministry[1].
Growing up in the church, I always found the church affirmation part of the calling
very interesting. Arrogantly, I thought if God called you, who cares what other
people think? This is an interesting perspective considering, preaching is not very
effective if you have no one to preach to. As I grew older, I began to understand
the importance of the church’s affirmation. I have seen ministers struggle in their
home church because the members do not believe in their calling. When they
preach, it falls on deaf ears. For one minister, it was always my belief that they
struggled because they seem to have taken a quick route to ministry by means of
a relative as opposed to being a steward and operating in service of God's
people[2]. Since the congregation felt the position was given by means of
favoritism, they never saw this minister’s ministry as authentic. I often wonder
though, is it possible to operate in a Church of people who dislike you? What
occurs if someone is truly called to ministry, but they are surrounded by people
who have a personal issue with them? How would they receive affirmation from
the church body?
Although many people understand, ministry leaders should have certain traits such
as humility and being able to teach, I think most ministry leaders struggle with the
act of submission. It is very difficult to lower yourself while elevating others and
doing the things society deems demeaning. The other element I struggled with
was going where God led me, especially even if I did not want to go. I understand
that “faithful ministry begins with a surrendered life” but particularly in the
beginning of my ministry, there were things I just did not want to do[3]. This led to
me constantly questioning God's call particularly while I waited those seven years.
I believe it is okay to question God in life if we do so respectfully and objectively.
Jonah, Moses, and Paul questioned God’s call but eventually submitted. I believe
we are no different when faced with challenges. I remember being told this by a
pastor years ago, “be wary of those who actively seek ministry as opposed to
those who were called to ministry”. He meant, mainly those called by God run
away from it at some point while those who call themselves run towards it.
c
[1] Jason K Allen and R A Mohler, Discerning Your Call to Ministry (Chicago: Moody
Publishers, 2016, 2016), 21.
[2] Ibid., 75
