Many Christians struggle with the call of God into Ministry. I did. I want to share with you some Biblical and personal questions that will help you determine if God has called you into ministry.
That word ‘call’ is used in three ways in Scripture.
- It is used of the call to salvation. Everyone receives this call.
- It is used of the call to serve. Every Christian receives this call. I
- It is used of the call to the ministry. Every Christian is called to minister but not every Christian is called into the ministry.
The ministry has one distinction from all other areas of ministry – ‘able to teach.’ This is a ‘must have.’ The call to the ministry is a call to the ministry of the Word. That’s why many pastors call it ‘a call to preach.’
The call into ministry is not necessarily a vocation. Some people are called into ministry but are not vocational preachers. Some people are vocationally in ministry but are not called into ministry.
I want to share with you 10 questions you can ask yourself to determine if God has ‘called you to into the ministry.’ I did not come up with these myself. These are adapted from ‘Discerning Your Call To Ministry,’ a book by Jason Allen, President of Midwestern Seminary.
- Do you desire the Ministry?
1 Timothy 3:1 & 1 Peter 5:1-3 teach that desiring the work of ministry is an initial and indispensable feeling.
- Does your character meet God’s expectations?
1 Timothy 3:1-7 & Titus 1:6-9 teach that God’s standard for ministry is high. Ministry leadership personnel are male, above reproach, self-disciplined, free from the love of money, tested, hospitable, friendly, among other characteristics.
- Is your household in order?
1 Timothy 3:2 & 4 reminds us that a ministry leader must be faithful to his wife and must have a well-ordered family.
- Had God gifted you to preach and teach His Word?
1 Timothy 3:2 & 2 Timothy 2:24 require a pastor to have an ability to explain God’s Word with skill.
- Does your church affirm your calling?
Since the call to ministry involves an internal desire and external character qualities, the local church is positioned to assess and validate fitness for ministry. Examples include 1 Timothy 4:14, 2 Timothy 1:5-6.
- Do you love the people of God?
1 Peter 5:1-4 charges pastors to feed, love, protect, and lead God’s flock.
- Are you passionate about the Gospel and the Great Commission?
A love for the lost and a desire to see them come to know Christ will be a driving force in those called to ministry. Examples include 2 Timothy 4:5, Romans 1:13-16, and Romans 10:11-15.
- Are you engaged in fruitful ministry?
Those most fit for ministry are those most actively engaged in ministry now. A minister is known by his fruit. Examples include 2 Corinthians 3:1-3
- Are you ready to defend the faith?
Since the call to ministry is a call to the ministry of the Word, it is also a call to defend it. Examples include 1 Timothy 1:3, 2 Timothy 1:13, 2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Timothy 2:25, 2 Timothy 3:14, 2 Timothy 4:2-6.
- Are you willing to surrender?
The call to ministry involves a willingness to self-consciously choose to forgo other life opportunities, conveniences and ambitions. Examples include 1 Corinthians 9:16 and Jeremiah 20:9.
If this is you, and you are confident God has called you to ministry, prepare yourself for ministry. 2 Timothy 2:15
If you still aren’t confident of God’s call, it may be that God is not calling you into ministry. However, in all you do resolve to follow God’s call on your life. As you do, you’ll know His favor, His joy and His direction. To surrender to God is to know that He will lead the path you take.
You can read some of my other articles about the ministry: Ministry in a Secular Culture, 3 Pastors Being Real about Ministry, Power for Ministry.
Share your call into ministry to help others who need encouragement….