Allen argues that it is important to ascertain that God has called you to
the ministry.[1] 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] 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] 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] 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] 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. 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. 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]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] 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] 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). Moreover, what about those that come in
conflict with the church, such as Martin Luther. 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. 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. 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]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. Before I was called, I had a
thirst for God’s Word. I could spend all day reading and studying God’s
Word. Allen had a sense of his calling and started serving in various
ministry roles. 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. 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.
I believe it is okay to question God’s call on our life for ministry. God
understands our uncertainties and doubts. He knows that we will always
feel that we cannot do what He calls us to do. God’s calling is always
beyond what we personally can do. It is more about what God can do
through us. We are in good company when we question God’s call. 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.
