God's calling... (Full Version)

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crownofbeauty -> God's calling... (6/26/2008 9:29:58 AM)

I’ll try to be brief with the following scenario….

A couple feels called to the ministry in our church approximately 5 years ago. They felt strongly that God called them for this position. There were many things that confirmed this to them. 3 years later, the husband quits because he feels he cannot accomplish what he was called to do.

6 months pass with no job opportunities for him…all the while he is interviewing and sending out resumes. In the meantime, our Pastor resigns, and a new Pastor comes to our church. The elders asked him to consider returning to the church in the same position to help the new Pastor. He agrees and feels that he is finally able to do what God has called him to do.

As time goes on, there is a shift in his responsibilities and he starts to feel that he’s not doing what he was called to do. Almost 2 years later, he feels God is calling him to go to another church to work and help with a need there. They didn't seek this, but this opportunity was presented to them. They prayed, fasted and considered this position without asking for prayer from our Pastor or Elders. When he accepted the job at this new church, he then told our Pastor and elders and that he would be leaving about a month or so later. They feel strongly that God is calling them to go to this church. What else could our Pastor and Elders say but that God was calling him to go to this church? This has left our church with the empty position that has not been filled yet and has caused hardship on those that worked closely with him.

I don’t understand if God calls someone out to another church why you wouldn’t ask for prayer from your own Pastor and Elders? There are also things that were left behind that he was clearly needed for. Is this how most churches work when someone feels “called” to another ministry? If you are called to do ministry in a particular area in a church and things change, does that mean God didn’t call you to that area of ministry even though the need was clearly there? How do you know that God didn’t want you to help out in that particular area just because that’s not what you had planned to do?

The above questions are what run through my mind. I want to believe that God called them to this new church, but I have a hard time with it when they say he never felt called to do what ended up doing at our church. I say all of this because my DH worked with him and my DH has changed his responsibilities as well to a position in which he never felt he wanted to do when he first came to work at our church. My DH has accepted this change even though it has been hard and frustrating to him. Does that mean God hasn't called him to do this?

I would appreciate feedback from others that have experienced a call to another ministry or a change in the ministry to which you felt called.



mvic -> RE: God's calling... (6/26/2008 10:38:14 AM)

Hi,

I don't have direct experience of the situation you are describing; but here are some thoughts.

Sometimes, when someone is drawn to a particular situation or course of action it could be that God is calling them so to do. At other times however it could be that people are following their own wishes and it is not God's calling after all. Maybe they were mistaken in believing it was God when it was not.

In the situation you describe, we cannot tell whether this couple were called to your church by God or not. But this does not matter for now. All that matters is that they have gone and somehow you need to fill the void that their departure has created.

As best you can, those left in the church should continue with their work and pray that, if it's God's will, He will send you someone else to help.

Note I said: "if it's God's will". Not yours or anyone else's. If God wills it, He will send you someone else to help.

God bless.



crownofbeauty -> RE: God's calling... (6/26/2008 10:53:29 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: mvic


Sometimes, when someone is drawn to a particular situation or course of action it could be that God is calling them so to do. At other times however it could be that people are following their own wishes and it is not God's calling after all. Maybe they were mistaken in believing it was God when it was not.


That's just it...how do you "really" know if God called you to a particular ministry? They felt so strongly that God called them to our church and had many confirmations including the quick selling of their house (they moved from out of state). I'm more concerned that they are mistaken by believing that God has called them to this new church. Just because there is a "need" somewhere (and they know the Pastor)...does that mean God is calling them to go there? And why the keeping of it a secret from everyone until he accepts the position? If you feel God may be calling you to move to another church, shouldn't you seek prayer from those in church leadership? There were some major changes going on in this area of ministry in which the knowledge of him leaving could have helped.

quote:

As best you can, those left in the church should continue with their work and pray that, if it's God's will, He will send you someone else to help.


They are. And the position won't be filled as the same. There will be a replacement, but not an exact "job description" replacement. We are trusting that God's hand is in this...but at the same time, am I really when I am doubting that God called them to this new church?



mvic -> RE: God's calling... (6/26/2008 11:08:49 AM)

Hi again,

We really can't explain why they acted the way they did. Why they sold their house quickly, moved to another State, and now they feel called to another church. We don't know why they felt the need for secrecy and did not seek advice and prayers.

What we do know is that sometimes God does ask people to change directions and go somewhere else. See the many travels of St Paul for example. He didn't intend to go to Malta; but God shipwrecked him there.

I can understand that you feel hurt by those peoples' action. Perhaps you have reason to. Please pray for them and ask God to help you forgive them.

You ask: How do you "really" know if God called you to a particular ministry?

All I can say is that if you are fortunate enough that God speaks to you, believe me, you WILL know it is Him. He will make sure that you know it is Him speaking. You just can't ignore Him.



rcjames -> RE: God's calling... (6/26/2008 12:51:35 PM)

What is the guy doing in the area of ministry now, five years after he feels he has been called to minister?

Thanks
RC



crownofbeauty -> RE: God's calling... (6/26/2008 1:12:43 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: rcjames

What is the guy doing in the area of ministry now, five years after he feels he has been called to minister?

Thanks
RC


He will be doing the same thing that he felt called to do at our church 5 years ago. Now, he feels called to help this other church in the same area of ministry.



Liveloved -> RE: God's calling... (6/26/2008 2:18:29 PM)

Without knowing the individuals involved, I can only share what my experience has been. Most of what I have seen in regard to "calling" that people credit to God is not. It is of the flesh. And they are following the path their 'good religious self' wants to go down.

Our flesh is deceitful and apart from a close, vital relationship with Jesus, we will deceive ourselves. And as sorry as I am to say this, few have the depth of relationship that is needed for this kind of knowing.

I have watched people follow their "calling" for years. And they generally have "peace about it" too. It is sad. Yes, we need to pray more for one another. I do not pray enough for those I see wandering their own way.

I think your dh is exhibiting a very godly attitude in regard to his position. Bless you![:)]



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