Called
One of the most polarizing discussions in the church is the discussion about calling.
Some believe that everyone is called to ministry, and that it looks different for all of us. All believers are called to ministry. Just in different forms.
However, others believe that a greater emphasis should be placed on those who are called to full-time ministry.
To be clear, one is not greater than the other.
The Theoretical
Let’s start with a simple understanding of calling:
Everyone is called to minister, but, few are called to ministry
That is clear in Revelation 4.11 when John said, “Worthy are you, our Lord and our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power: for you have created all things, and because of your will and for your pleasure we exist.”
What a remarkable statement defining our design. That foremost we were created for His will and for His pleasure. That would be the first calling.
From there, let’s look at a definition of calling as it relates to our purpose and what we have been created to do with our life. Let me define it as the call to ministry and the call to minister.
Did you see what I did there? It is slight. Even just the change of case or capital spelling. Or, the use of a title versus an action. This is a great place to start. A title and an action.
The Calling to Ministry
This is calling as a title in the Church or sacred part of the calling that a Pastor or other ministry leader will hold.
This is the vocational part of calling that only some or a few are called to.
The Calling to Minister
This is Calling as an action in the Church or secular setting and the work we do as believers.
And it is very clear that all of us are called to minister.
Take a look at two verses with a simple explanation for those who are called to ministry, and, those who are called to minister.
First, look at the calling to ministry. “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers.” (Ephesians 4.11)
A pretty clear understanding of the title or the office of ministry. Notice that not everyone is called to ministry, but, some or a few are called to minister.
Secondly, look at the call to minister. “For the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry…” (Ephesians 4.12-16
A pretty clear understanding of the action or the work that believers do. Notice here that all of us are called to minister.
These verses also give us a very clear understanding of the title that believers receive. Notice here that few are called to ministry.
Here are some identifying traits of the call to ministry.
A love for God
A love for leadership
A love for spiritual growth
A love for the lost
A love for the church
Finally
Have any clear understanding of calling can lead us to discover our personal purpose.
First and foremost, that God has created us and called us to please him.
Second, God has called us to minister to everyone everywhere. This is our action as Christians.
Third, God has called us to ministry to everyone everywhere. This is our title as Christians.
Remember, one is not greater than the other. They both are defining our identity as a believer.