I am attempting to go on to complete my Ph.D. in apologetics and
theology with the hopes of teaching at a Bible college or university. As
Jason K. Allen points out, “Every Christian is called to minister… First
Corinthians 12-14 and Romans 12 show how God gifts every believer to
function in the body of Christ.”[1]But it is difficult to assess one’s calling
and abilities. Over the years, I have been active in the teaching ministries
and a leader in a church plant. However, I still find myself doubting my
calling at times, which may result from the seemingly never-ending string
of classes necessary to fulfill this calling. Allen asks the question, “Do you
desire the ministry?”[2] The answer for me is a definite “yes,” with the
caveat that I desire to teach at a Bible college or university.
Another concern that I have is the ever-changing landscape of the modern
evangelical milieu. I am a Reformed Baptist who holds to the Second
London Baptist Confession of Faith and the ecumenical creeds. With the
rise of critical race theory, intersectionality, the LGBTQ+ movement, and
gender identity/fluidity movements, I can see difficulties finding a job in
this context.
The work of a minister of Christ requires such strenuous character
qualities. It is difficult to look at the characteristics of a qualified overseer
and say, “I meet up to that.” Allen is a little comforting when he writes,
“The first phrase, above reproach, means "to be blameless, above
accusation." It doesn't mean "perfect," and if it did, churches would be
without ministers.”[3] I know that I am a deeply flawed and sinful person
who, apart from Christ, would not be fit for any ministry.
[1]Jason K. Allen, Discerning Your Call to Ministry: How to Know for Sure
and What to Do About It (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2016), 19.
[2]Ibid., 26.
[3]Ibid., 38.
