Allen assert that not everyone is called to ministry and that those called to
ministry must receive the gift to preach and teach from God alone.
Therefore, preaching and teaching the word can only be gifted and
ordained by God (Allen, 63). As written in 2 Timothy, those called to
ministry must “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season;
reprove, rebuke, with great patience and instruction” (2 Timothy 4:2, NIV).
Not only must the pastor receive the gift to preach form God, but he must
also be supported by his church and the congregation.
The pastor must love the gospel and have love for the people that he is
ministering, but most importantly he must be passionate about fulfilling
the Great Commission (Allen, 83). The call to preach must be such that
nothing else will distract from it and the preachers is only fulfilled will
walking in his/her calling to preach the word. Preachers must be
passionate about doing the work of God and surrendering to his call, by
being willing to follow his call wherever it may lead (Allen, 125). 1
The narrative presented by Allen related to being called to ministry is very
reflective of my call to minister. However, I think for many if the call to
ministry comes at an early age you find reasons to suppress the call for
the sake of free-will. My call to ministry presented itself around the age of
thirteen and for much of my life I was regularly approach by family
members, friends and ministry leaders asking when I was going to walk in
my calling, but I never really gave it much thought.1 Although, it was
always a burning desire that resonate deep within, and I would sometimes
be envious of those that were in the pulpit but failed to act upon it.
Several years ago, the call became one I could no longer ignored, and I
found myself meeting with church leaders and taking he necessary steps
to begin the process of ministry. The most important thing for me was
studying to ensure that as I ministered the word was never returned void
and the hearers were edified. In coming into my call, I was confirmed by
church leaders and voted on by the congregation.1 I was supported by
other ministers and often encouraged to speak at events and engage with
others needing to be ministered too. There are times when I have doubted
the authenticity of my call to ministry and the Holy Spirit seemingly places
me in situations that demonstrates the ordination of God on my call to
serve in ministry.1 In many ways the various questions addressed by Allen
is reminiscent of my walk and call to ministry.
Allen, Jason, K.,1“Discerning Your Call to Ministry: How to Know for Sure
and What to Do About It”, Chicago, IL, Moody Publishers, 2016.
