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.
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