The Calling to Ministry and the Calling to Minister (Part 2)
There has been a lot of confusion when it comes to the call of God on our lives.
Why do we exist? What is our vocational place? How about our purpose in the Kingdom of God? This is especially true when it comes to the call to ministry and the call to minister.
I like to say it this way … ALL of us are called to Minister, but, FEW of us are called to Ministry. We talked about that last week from the Ephesians 4.11-12 text
In other words, SOME are called to prepare ALL for the work of Christian service.
HISTORY
There was an emphases in Next Gen ministry the last 20 years that changed everything.
We swung the emphasis away from students and the call to ministry in the Church setting, and, taught that you do not need to be in ministry to be a minister. And we swung the emphasis to what we called the ministry of the saints. This brought a loss of many young people who had the call of God on their lives for ministry but did not pursue it for various reasons.
As we have stated multiple times last week, there must be a balance when promoting both of these principles.
So, in an effort to teach correctly on this topic, and to be as wholistic as possible, here is some practical discussion on the traits of being called to ministry as a vocation in the office of pastor or other ministry calling (apostle, prophet, evangelist, and teacher).
Let me give you a practical understanding of the traits or characteristics of the call to ministry in the office of the Church. Our young people must understand these traits so they can see for themselves that God may have a specific purpose for them in the ministry setting.
How will you know there is a call to ministry on your life?
•For some, it may simply be the voice of God in their spirit
•Or the word of a spiritual friend who confirms something God has spoken to them
•Or respected leaders who have recognized God’s call on their life and spoken to them about it over the years
•Or maybe it happened in a Camp or Convention when they were young
Either way, here are some practical principles to help students understand if they are called to Ministry as a vocation.
1. LOVE FOR GOD
If you are wondering about whether there is a call to Ministry on your life, start with this foundational principle!
You will have a spiritual hunger for God. Even if you’re not spiritually strong yourself at the moment, you will have a hunger for God. An awareness or sensitivity to the Spirit.
I can remember while I was running from the call to Ministry upon my own life that I was still always thinking about God and His presence in my life. Even when I was not serving Him. There were times when His presence was so heavy upon me. And I could sense Him.
It’s hard to explain, but, you will have a constant awareness of His presence.
If you are wondering about whether there is a call to Ministry on your life, this is one of the essential traits that I see in effective leaders.
2. LOVE FOR PEOPLE
You will have an empathy toward people. It won’t matter if they are in the Church, unChurched, a misfit, or the pop kid.
Look no further than the example of Jesus and Him defining the purpose of His life and calling:
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” -Mark 10.45
What does that look like? Here are some of the things that I experienced in my own life.
•You will have feelings of defending or standing up against bullying
•You will be moved by brokenness in the people around you
•You will defend the defenseless
•You will speak for the voiceless
•You will heal the wounded
3. LOVE FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH
One of the main responsibilities of the Ministry is spiritual formation and discipleship. This cannot be lost.
If you are not satisfied with your walk with Christ, that is a good sign of God’s call on your life. If you are concerned about the spiritual formation of others, that is a good sign of God’s call on your life to Ministry.
Maybe you feel conviction stronger than others. Maybe you are sensitive to the Spirit and will hold yourself to a high standard.
Another part of this is that you may be intrigued by His presence and spiritual moments! Altars and Worship times are emotional for you. Discernment is high on your spiritual gifts.
4. LOVE FOR THE CHURCH
One of the key traits of the call to Ministry is your love for the Church. You may not like it, but, you love the Church.
I believe strongly that if you take care of the church, God will take care of you. Because He loves the church, his bride.
I have often found that many PK’s (Preachers kids) have a hidden call on their life because of this trait. They have been raised around the supernatural aspect of the Church. And that has a lingering affect upon them.
Even though they may have initial feelings that are negative toward the church, there is a defense and reverence for the Church and for spiritual leaders placed in them as young children.
5. LOVE FOR LEADERSHIP
This is not a cavalier, authoritarian trait. It is a servant-minded trait. Where you want to place yourself in a position of leading.
It’s not about applause. It is not about positions or titles. It is about helping people find purpose in life. Being a willing leader with the gift of helps. One of the most important, spiritual gifts given to us is the gift of helps so that we can become helpers!
I love what Paul said after everything he had been through. He said his greatest concern was not about the hardship, the loss, the beating, the shipwrecks, or the abandonment of his friends.
It was about his love for the Lord, the church, and leaving an impact on his generation.
NEXT STEPS
Let’s finish by talking about next steps.
What should I do when I know that I am called to ministry?
One of the most important things you can do is to find a mentor and rabbi.
All of us need someone in our life who has been where we want to go. That makes it so much easier to accomplish what God has called us to.
Maybe you can find a Next Gen Leader, an elder in the church, a para church leader from FCA, or, a Christian coach at your school.
Just like any other student would prepare for their vocational calling, you can do the same thing right now.
The next thing I would do will be a great assist as you prepare for the call to ministry.
2. Get involved in children’s, youth, or young adult ministry at your church.
Some of the lessons that you can learn on a team right now will be invaluable.
The time that you put in volunteering will be invaluable and assure even greater success once you are finished with college or vocational training.
There are so many lessons learned when you get locked in to the church.
Things like working with a team, learning how to problem solve, developing time management, and growing in your relational skills.
FINALLY
There has been a lot of misunderstanding in the church world when it comes to the principle of ‘calling’.
Hopefully, these few principles will help young people to see the call of God on their life. One of the great responsibilities of Next Gen leaders is to make sure that we are promoting both the call to ministry, and, the call minister.