Being called to the minstry? (Full Version)

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willfs -> Being called to the minstry? (6/19/2008 2:02:15 PM)

Okay, I have talked to a variety of ministers about this topic and none of them give direct answers on how to know you are called into the ministry. It seems to be something that is difficult to explain.

As for me, I have been seriously considering going into the ministry but this is all I have to go on:

I really want to (Although I think twice when I consider the burnout rate and the fact that ministry really seems to be something that isn't for everyone). I don't know if I would like everything about ministry but I know I would love giving sermons.

I feel I am atleast gifted at sermons. It seems God dumps messages in my lap that are extremely inspiring, practical, indepth and really put a fresh light on God's truth. I am great at speaking to groups and really enjoy it.

Should I jump in and try it? The problem is that its hard to find church work. I don't think I want to go into youth work or children's ministry but more pastoral. The church I attend is pretty big and not looking for a fill in preacher. Should I just go to seminary? I hear that they want you to have prior experience. I preached a few sermons in a church years ago. I now just help out with children's ministry. I actually wanted to go into the ministry years ago but talked myself out of it, "I am not the type of guy who could do that." I entered another career field I THOUGHT I should go into even though I didn't have a passion for it. After burning out on that career I am reconsidering actually finding something I am passionate about so I am reconsidering the minstry.

Any advice?



seagullplayer -> RE: Being called to the minstry? (6/19/2008 2:59:44 PM)

Talk to your Pastor about it.



rcjames -> RE: Being called to the minstry? (6/19/2008 3:07:43 PM)

When I was called into the ministry there was nothing else that I wanted to do, I had to start to minister.

I volunteered to do what ever I could at the Church (anything) and started going to nursing homes, visiting the sick, preaching on the street and working all the time at one or two jobs to support my ministry.

I then started to ministering in the jails/prisons along with the street and nursing homes, going part time to Bible School, and sharing Jesus everywhere I could. I went on every mission trip that came along and then went to Mexico to live as a missionary.

21 years later I came back full time to the states and worked as an evangelist/revivalist for 5 years, got ask to Pastor a few Churches and finally took one. Been planting Churches and Pastoring every since.

Still work and help to support myself and my ministry 45 years after I went to Mexico to do missionary work.

Maybe that will help.

Thsnks
RC



willfs -> RE: Being called to the minstry? (6/20/2008 6:00:18 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: seagullplayer

Talk to your Pastor about it.




quote:

ORIGINAL: willfs

I have talked to a variety of ministers about this topic and none of them give direct answers




That includes my minister.



KnowJesus -> RE: Being called to the minstry? (6/21/2008 2:29:42 AM)

If God has called you to ministry, he will be glad to guide you all the way. If you pursue this calling with obedience and a passion to do His will...then He will be glorified in it. Wondering too long about the "what IFs" might delay it, and the enemy will try hard to keep you at bay. If you know for certain this is what God wants for you...then go for the goal with no hesitation.

Weighing the decision in prayer...is best, because the Father (your employer) will let you know if indeed you are the right man for the job. I suspect you already knew all this...God bless you



Liveloved -> RE: Being called to the minstry? (6/21/2008 5:33:18 PM)

quote:

I really want to (Although I think twice when I consider the burnout rate and the fact that ministry really seems to be something that isn't for everyone). I don't know if I would like everything about ministry but I know I would love giving sermons.


I do not hear anything resembling a shepherd's heart in what you have shared. I don't hear a passion for other's souls, their spiritual growth. That, IMO, is the first and foremost characteristic of pastoral ministry. I don't mean to be hurtful but I am being truthful. I have seen too many in ministry who do not have shepherd's hearts. I think if God is calling you to minister to others, NOTHING will keep you from doing it---whether you have a seminary degree or not. And the degree may actually put you further from your calling.



LBolt -> RE: Being called to the minstry? (6/21/2008 7:52:28 PM)

Amen! Everyone is called to do something, not everyone has the make-up to be a shepherd or fulfill in of the 5-fold offices that deal with epuipping the saints. Dreams and visions from the LORD can give you hints or clues. Has the Lord showed you anything by why of dream or vision? Do you have a heart for God's people? Do you have a hunger and thirst to know the mind and will of God? How do you know you are called? The reason why a lot of pastors suffer burnout (this is just one) is the fact that they were not called of God or that they aren't ready to shepherd. David was called to be king but had to wait about 17 years for God to equip Him to fulfill or begin his call. Elisha poured water on the hands of Elijah and served him before he received commissioning as a prophet.

Samuel serve Eli. Are you actively serving in a solid ministry looking to mentor others? Theological serminary, in my book, means absolutely nada! If you are learning the right doctrine, it's great! But what I hear coming out of the mouths of some pastors is down right pathetic. Some people go to seminary and leave a Atheist!

Lastly, check you motives. Do you like being seen or just sermonize. Do you want to really help others? This is something you really have to seek the mind of God. Go on a fast and pray and wait for an answer. For now, serve where you are. Sweep floors, clean the church bathroom, witness, study, study and become a student of the Word of God, and then go back and serve some more! LOL



4IMPersuaded -> RE: Being called to the minstry? (6/21/2008 7:57:33 PM)

This is quite a question and I struggle with a similar one. I, too, feel called and have posted about my calling because I have a heart for women who are wanting to grow through the Word. I love to speak from the Word-- selfishly because the study and preparation for it bring me into such a focus on my God that I cannot keep from sharing what I've learned. The question is, how to communicate that I'd like to do more of that without sounding self-serving.

I think the answer is to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. As RC explained, he just couldn't keep from ministering in whatever capacity was available to him. I organized a women's bible study in my church... I am waiting and looking for opportunities to minister and serve. In the meantime, I continue to stay in the Word, pray and make sure I am ready for when the Coach calls me in to the "game" if you will. You see, a benched player trains and is ready-- he doesn't wait until there's an opening on the team to start getting in shape, right?

If this is what you are to do, you need to wait on His timing and it will work out. The trick is to wait upon Him and not run ahead because you will get into a quagmire on your own.

Blessings!



slushie -> RE: Being called to the minstry? (6/23/2008 8:52:03 PM)

What do your pastors tell you?

If you feel that your gift is preaching, I would recommend that you practice.... start small and work your way up... you said you didn't want to try children's ministry or youth ministry but I'd recommend you to give those a try... those are good practice and you can find out if full time ministry is really what God wants you to do. Plus if you can handle a room full of kids, you can handle anything. (maybe not... but still)

Can you ask your pastor if you can preach a sermon one Sunday? Does your church offer that option? Mine does.

Pray about it. Pastoring does involve a lot more than preaching a sermon every week. A LOT more than that.



alfali -> RE: Being called to the minstry? (6/24/2008 8:12:03 AM)

Hi Willfs and others,

First of all I would like to thank Willfs for the topic - this question is highly important for a person, for a local church and for the Entire body of Christ.

I found it very interesting that nobody has pointed the question to the local church weakness. Acc. to Ephisians 4:11 the Church is supposed to help every member:
1 - to identify the calling, right time and place for it
2 - to get prepared for the calling
3 - to start calling realization

From the answers above I could see the common view that the calling is absolutely private question between God and you - this is not supported by the Bible. Moreover imagine this would be a true, why then church is needing someone equipped like pastor, apostle etc. You cannot substitute the answer to this question by Bible teaching, studying etc.

My personal opinion is that the main tool to help here is communication: first of all to God about your vision, your feelings, secondly to the church leaders - they must help you - it is their job.

Please do not lose the drive and striving for the calling - it is precious in the eyes of God. And do not let enemy to stop you.



slushie -> RE: Being called to the minstry? (6/24/2008 8:37:38 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: alfali

Hi Willfs and others,

First of all I would like to thank Willfs for the topic - this question is highly important for a person, for a local church and for the Entire body of Christ.

I found it very interesting that nobody has pointed the question to the local church weakness. Acc. to Ephisians 4:11 the Church is supposed to help every member:
1 - to identify the calling, right time and place for it
2 - to get prepared for the calling
3 - to start calling realization

From the answers above I could see the common view that the calling is absolutely private question between God and you - this is not supported by the Bible. Moreover imagine this would be a true, why then church is needing someone equipped like pastor, apostle etc. You cannot substitute the answer to this question by Bible teaching, studying etc.

My personal opinion is that the main tool to help here is communication: first of all to God about your vision, your feelings, secondly to the church leaders - they must help you - it is their job.

Please do not lose the drive and striving for the calling - it is precious in the eyes of God. And do not let enemy to stop you.


I did say that he should ask his pastor. i do not see anywhere that anyone said that it was ONLY between him and God. Instead I see everywhere that people are asking him to pray. And to ask his pastor and other leaders.



4IMPersuaded -> RE: Being called to the minstry? (6/24/2008 6:21:01 PM)

Hi alfali-- welcome to the forums.

slushie is right, I don't think anyone told him that he should keep it a private matter. Obviously at some time or another this is going to have to NOT be a private matter if he is to actually fulfill the calling that he feels he has been given.

The church is the nursery in which to grow the next generation of leaders for sure. It behooves all of us to foster leadership skills. Full-time ministry is not for the faint of heart, however. God has to equip someone specifically for evangelism and they have to have the prophetic gifts (calling out truth, not forseeing the future) in order to be effective. This must be distinguished from the call placed on all of us to tell others what Jesus has done for us and has done for them. Sometimes people mistake the latter for the former.

At any rate, the first step is to be clear with what God has told him to do, the second is to approach the pastor or church leadership to seek assistance in following the calling. The steps after that depend completely on the first!

Blessings on your path!



alfali -> RE: Being called to the minstry? (6/25/2008 2:59:09 AM)

Hi 4IMPersuaded,

Again you propose first to seek God - this process can take much time: months or even years.

As I understood Willfs - he has exacty the problem with this first step: how to reach God and acquire the vision.

My idea was to go in parallel with God and church leaders. Every leader must have experience and the expertise in the way how to find an answer, at least they can advise how to pray. I am not saying that ministers give you exact answer what is your calling, but rather see the hunger and impart themselves into the process. Ministers of the church must play the leading role in the process - plan, direct and track the status - they should not be passive spectaculars.

Very important for church leaders to have correct attitude to new leaders, not to treat them as competitors, but co-workers that empower the church. Pastor and elders will benefit from new leader, thus for the church this process must withdraw adequate attention and resources.

My conclusion: the issue that Willfs has faced is a direct sympthom of the local church internal problem. And my opinoin this problem must be correctly comunicated to responsible people in and maybe outside the church (but within Body of Christ):
- what is the church development strategy,
- what is my development plan,
- how the process of a new leader integration looks like
these are the questions I would ask.

Blessing to all.



slushie -> RE: Being called to the minstry? (6/25/2008 11:55:53 AM)

i agree that the church leaders need a correct attitude. But we haven't heard from Willfs yet.



greatjubee -> RE: Being called to the minstry? (6/25/2008 3:15:37 PM)



When he called me he had to hit me in the head with the 4*4, and wake me up to who I was.
As a Levi and a decent of Aaron they are required to be his preists. Go figure. He let me go for 47 years before he finaly got me to do his will.

I can only say this to you, don't wait till your almost fifty to do his will go ahead and start now, if it is his will for your life he will bring it all together for you.

Follow his lead and walk with him.

In His Service
Brian



willfs -> RE: Being called to the minstry? (6/27/2008 3:47:34 PM)

Okay. I will throw out another question related to ministry and "calling". I don't see this in scripture. Well, I do in the old testament with Aaron's family line and with the calling of specific individuals for once in a life time type tasks. The Priestly duties were different from the duties of those in ministry today and most occupations were passed on from parent to child in that day.

I do not see in the New Testament where someone is specifically called to vocational minstry and only a chosen view can go into it. Only the apostles (special group of individuals) but the New Testament scriptures on church related functioning do not treat vocational ministry like we do. 1 Corinthians 14:1 says to "eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy." Can we GET certain gifts as we grow in our faith? And of all gifts to grow into, prophecy is a big one! This verse seems to state that God can give someone the gift of prophecy. Are you only born a good preacher or can you be formed into one if you choose to pursue (desire) that funtion in the church?

I think calling has to do more with gifts than with occupation. Are church secretaries "called" to put their skills into the church and secretaries in other places not called? Are children's ministry coordinators "called" to put their skills into practice while those in other related fields not called? Furthermore, couldn't most who are in such positions function just as well outside the church as in the church.

This might be a big leap but could it be the same for those in higher positions in the church. Someone with leadership, organization and teaching skills could choose to go into the business world to put their gifts to use OR they could choose to go into the ministry to put their gifts into use. If they went into the ministry they would find God working through them in unique ways, depending on their walk with Him. If they entered the business world they would see God working through them in unique ways, depending on their walk with Him. Someone who loves sports could be a highschool coach and/or a sports ministry director. Someone who is great at counseling could be a private counselor and/or a Care Minister. All of those gifts could be used both inside the church and/or outside the church to any variety of degrees. You might call it vocational depending on how indepth you commited your time and resources to your role in the church.

We certainly must pay someone who has a full time roll as a pastor or secretary in the church but not someone who teaches a Sunday School class or helps pass the collection plate. All are involved in minstry. The only reason one is in "vocational ministry" while the other isn't is because one has chosen (or circumstances worked out) to use his/her gifts more in secular work while the other uses his/her gifts more in church related functions.

I'm not saying I am right. Any comments?



4IMPersuaded -> RE: Being called to the minstry? (6/27/2008 4:27:49 PM)

Sadly I must admit a bit of ignorance on the whole spiritual gift question. I have read the passages, but have not really studied it to the extent that I am comfortable giving an opinion.

What I can speak to is "calling." I see no Biblical evidence to suggest that the only people "called" to a vocation are those who are paid in full-time church leadership. This is how most of our churches are set up in our culture, but I disagree that the day care provider isn't called to minister to her children if she is a believer. I think she very well may be. I felt absolutely called to minister to the sick and dying in my role as an oncology nurse-- what a privilege that was to be with patients and families at what is arguably the second most significant event in a person's life. I have only recently felt God moving me in a different direction and I think that is God calling me to man a different station in His overall plan.

I do think, however, that a spiritual leader is held to a higher level of responsibility because of the basic drive of human nature related to pride and the temptation to try to share in God's glory. It is a heady thing to be thought of as a spiritual mentor. Without a specific calling in that direction, any mere mortal may be tempted to misuse such a perception of power to their own advantage.



hjemerson -> RE: Being called to the minstry? (7/1/2008 3:54:31 PM)

I do think you have a start on the way. Looking to schooling as you go seeking the Lords will, the doors will open for the Church and the type of service you may find out you like to teach. A christian teach is is a blessing, I am thinking may get the need education and teach in a chridtian college etc. Preaching as you go. Go ahead Jump in and follow you r Heart and the rest will come together!



rcjames -> RE: Being called to the minstry? (7/1/2008 4:08:50 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: willfs

Okay. I will throw out another question related to ministry and "calling". I don't see this in scripture. Well, I do in the old testament with Aaron's family line and with the calling of specific individuals for once in a life time type tasks. The Priestly duties were different from the duties of those in ministry today and most occupations were passed on from parent to child in that day.

I do not see in the New Testament where someone is specifically called to vocational minstry and only a chosen view can go into it.


Well how about the guy that was gettin water at the well and lead the diciples to the upper room. Do not forget that getting water at the well was womens work and he was evidently ask to do something out of the ordinary?

How about Pau and the turn around in his life?

I mean what are you saying thare is no call to ministry?

Scripture says;

(Eph 4:11) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

(Eph 4:12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

and also says;

(Rom 11:29) For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

How about the part of the gifts of the Holy Spirit? Were they intended to train someone to be a carnival barker?


Thankls
RC



jeholov -> RE: Being called to the minstry? (7/1/2008 4:56:18 PM)

Hi your response to the gentleman i agree with you. Could you help me with something?
I think The Lord is calling me to the ministry as a minister. I have recived a vision about 8 years ago,at a shelter where i lived for a little over a year, where i was talking to women behind a pulpit. I have also been told by people i dont know that I'm a preacher or a prophet. i currently work at a shelter for women and children the same one were i saw the vision, where i do teach the women there about Christ! Or people have said to me in a church setting that I will speak hard things to the body. I 've been compared to jeramiah. iam gifted in intercessory prayer and faith, where the Lord have me to pray for someone or a family where the Lord has done sustaning awsome things with the families or person.
Im planning to talk to my Pastor about this today. I feel that i have been running from the Lord i dont want to run anymore. Ive also heard that "you will know" if you have been called. I also have the gift of helps and Mercy hurting people are drwan to me men or women and im drawn to them.
What do you suggest?



willfs -> RE: Being called to the minstry? (7/1/2008 6:49:53 PM)

RC thanks for all the input. I am not sure of what I think on the matter. However, I don't know if I disagree with some of what I have heard. Thanks also for sharing your story of entering the ministry.

quote:

ORIGINAL: rcjames

Well how about the guy that was gettin water at the well and lead the diciples to the upper room. Do not forget that getting water at the well was womens work and he was evidently ask to do something out of the ordinary?

How about Pau and the turn around in his life?


Both of those are unique instances in God's working in this world. No one is going to wait for a light to blind them in order to enter any type of profession. No one is going to expect (they may hope in certain dire circumstances) that God will provide a place to eat supper by some stranger just inviting them.

quote:

ORIGINAL: rcjames

Scripture says;

(Eph 4:11) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

(Eph 4:12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
?


So should one first try and discern their gifts and then go from there? If their gifts fall within certain categories then they should go into vocational ministry?


quote:

ORIGINAL: rcjames

and also says;

(Rom 11:29) For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
?


We need to look at this in context:

25I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. 26And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written:
"The deliverer will come from Zion;
he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.
27And this is[f] my covenant with them
when I take away their sins."[g]
28As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies on your account; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, 29for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable.

This talks about God's plan for the Nation of Isreal. You still have to take into consideration 1 Corinthians 14:1 which says to "eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy."

quote:

ORIGINAL: rcjames

How about the part of the gifts of the Holy Spirit? Were they intended to train someone to be a carnival barker?


What gifts are you talking about?

I wonder if their is much difference between God's work through paid church workers and that of secular workers. I will admit that certain jobs may have degrees of importance but I don't know if I draw the line at secular work and minstry work. The Priests of the Old Testament had to know how to examine and deal with all kinds of medical issues and were instructed on how to do so in Leviticus. There are examples all throughout scripture where God worked through prophets (Jerimiah) as well as secular offices (Joseph). Shouldn't a carnival worker display the fruit of the Spirit in his work? (or are you talking about something else when you say gifts?) I don't want to downplay the importance and uniqeness of the church. I don't think we can fully comprehend God's plans and the how and what of his working in this world. I just am still trying to understand what it means and how one knows they are called in the ministry.



quote:

ORIGINAL: jeholov

Ive also heard that "you will know" if you have been called.


This seems to be what I have heard. Is this the best way to explain calling?



rcjames -> RE: Being called to the minstry? (7/2/2008 10:30:32 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: willfs
No one is going to wait for a light to blind them in order to enter any type of profession.


Then attitude may be what is causing you some concern or confusion. The ministry is not a profession. A profession is what one does to earn a living. Ministry is what one does in service to God.

Ministry might provide one a living, or it might not. If it does not then one should do a professon or two or three on the side to support himself to be able to do the ministry. You know like Paul and tent making.

If you are called to minister, then you will minister or you will be miserable (Jonah is a good example).

I will you well.

Thsnks
RC



alfali -> RE: Being called to the minstry? (7/16/2008 8:45:50 AM)

Hi Willfs and others,

To me God's gift is always something supernatural, thus we should not mix God's gifts and human skills - this is supported by 1 Kor 12:7 (revelation of Spirit). Also it is supported by psychology: as a rule the one is skillful in the things that he likes to do and not skilled in the things he does not like, thus the skills are developed by one's preferences.

On the other hand the Calling may deal with the things you do not like and you do not have skills in - remember Jonah. In this case you surely need Gifts or saying broadly the Grace in order to accomplish the mission.

To me in the ministry it is better to deal with Grace rather then with your own skills, but at work skills are quite enough.

I agree for some ministers the ministry is a pure work, they do not feel any need in God's grace and gifts - I beleive about them James says in 4:6 - God opposes them. But the humble one totally depends on Grace, the Grace works not the skills - thus the salary should not be considered as salary, but rather a financial support.

Blessing to all



buckifn -> RE: Being called to the minstry? (7/16/2008 11:11:45 AM)

When you know God has called you to do something- there is just no escaping it until you DO IT.

It's a feeling like I can't do anything else until I go ahead and do what God is leading me to do.

That has come in various forms for me..for instance cancel a vacation and go on a mission trip instead...leave work early and go to the hospital and pray with someone who as it turned out passed away before the time I would have gotten there if I had finished work first...

so many ways I can tell you God has called me to do things and I was not at peace until I did them. So I guess one of the main questions to ask yourself is can your soul be at peace NOT doing what you feel led to do?



Little_1 -> RE: Being called to the minstry? (7/16/2008 1:39:46 PM)

Any Christian Ministers or missionaries I know received a very definite calling from God to go into the ministry and God very definately confirmed His call to them in the following ways (and more often than not by all 3 of the ways listed below):

- through His Word,
- through other Godly ministers and
- through circumstances

None of them stepped out to become ministers simply because it was something they thought they wanted to do. Some of them even struggled with God because they wanted to continue in their secular employment but eventually their secular employment became less attractive and they lost their joy and peace until they realised God knew best. Sometimes it is not like this and God puts the desire on the heart of someone He is calling. Everyone is different.

Also, God always, always confirmed His call to each of them by the means mentioned above.

There is an old but true saying: "God's work done in God's way never lacks God's supply."

If God has confirmed to you His call upon your life to go into the ministry - then He will also provide the necessary means to do so.

My best advise to you is:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him
and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5,6)

All the best.

P.S. We are all called to go into all the world and preach the gospel (the Great Commission). Going into all the world also means our work place or anywhere else for that matter. We are in effect all 'ministers' of the Gospel and this is a full-time, permanent calling until God calls us home. However, the 'shepherding role' which carries a lot more responsibility is what I am referring to when I mention 'ministers' above.



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