I realize that many of you who attended She Speaks, and those who did not, long for confirmation about their callings. I know because I did, too. The question on my heart was, “How do I know that I know I’m called of God? …And what’s the difference between church ministry and vocational ministry?” Because of these questions, I spent over a year being counseled by my pastor and studying God’s Word so that I could move forward with assurance—the same kind of assurance you’re looking for.
Today, I’ll try and explain “the call” to ministry and then follow up in the next few days with “what the call” looks like lived out. I hope it will answer some of your questions. If not, feel free to ask.
One should sense that being in ministry is God’s will for their life. They know it’s nothing less than a “God thing.” While we are all called and gifted for church ministry, some are called to vocational ministry. They know that God has claimed their life for His service beyond serving in the church. Each person called into vocational ministry will have a unique and personal story of this experience.
I had been a student of God’s Word for 15 years when God called me into ministry. I was satisfied as a student of His Word. I never thought about teaching it. I was too shy to stand in front of people. When asked to make an announcement at church, I’d experience fever and nausea the entire night before that lasted until my duty was over!
Serving my church was important to me. I severed in various ways—VBS, Children and Youth ministry, committees of all kinds, and I participate in missions and programs that taught believers how to share of the gospel. (I’ve always been passionate about sharing Jesus!)
One day, I was reading my bible in my bedroom when God called me to surrender my life to full-time service. I don’t claim to have heard the audible voice of God, but it was the loudest thought I ever had. I knew exactly what He wanted even though I didn’t know what it all meant, but I responded wholeheartedly to God’s plan for my life.
My first step was getting my pastor’s blessing and counseling. Throughout our time together, I experienced miracle after miracle of God’s confirmation. My pastor encouraged me to write these things down. He shared that there would be days of discouragement and disappoints. There would be days that I would want to give up and quit. I should return to these testimonies and be encouraged to press on. I’ve done this many times since and encourage you to do the same.
While you should also be able to pinpoint the time when God called you into ministry, the important thing is not how you were called—but that you’re certain your call came from God. Knowing that you are called is key motivation to being in ministry.
According to Henry T. Blackaby, there are people in ministry for other reasons than a calling from God.
1.) Some are in ministry because they are grateful for their salvation.
2.) Some are in ministry because they love studying and teaching the Word. Again, knowing that you are called to teach the bible outside of the church comes with a “knowing” God has called you further.
3.) Some with the gift of service naturally enjoy helping people.
4.) Others are persuaded by family members or feel they must follow in their parent’s footsteps.
5.) Others who were never affirmed or not popular see a readily acceptance and respect that a person in ministry receives therefore signs up for ministry.
While these are noble reasons, they are not the right motivation for being in ministry. One should sense that being in ministry is God’s will for their lives.
Whether you or I are called to church ministry or vocational ministry, they are equally important!! Either way, you did not chose to work for God, God chose you. Your calling, and mine, came from an intimate relationship with God. He did not call you or me because we are special or talented, but because He chose us for Himself and called us into a relationship with Him. From that relationship, He calls, equips and prepares us to do good works.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Eph 2:10).
Pondering Thoughts for Growth
1.) Can you recall a specific time when you were certain God called you into vocational ministry? Explain
2.) In your service now, do you feel satisfied? If not, could God be calling you further?
3.) Have you ever sought godly counseling and direction from your pastor? Why or why not?
4.) Make a list of your gifts and how you’re presently using them.
5.) Are new doors being opened for you? If they are or they are not, what should be your response?
It’s not enough to know that we are called. We must understand the call upon our lives in order to fully live it out through His provision. How we perceive our call determines how we will live. I’ll follow up on this topic with “What the Call Looks Likes Lived Out”
Stay tuned.
Laura says
Thank you, Micca, for this very thought-provoking post. I particularly loved the reasons you gave for serving other than a calling. Wow. that was an eye-opener. You have given me a lot to think about. Just let me say, I’m so glad you listened to that call! I can’t imagine you feeling “too shy” to speak in front of a group. You have such a natural delivery and such a gift. A blessing to us all the day you had that loud thought!
B His Girl says
Micca,
You are so right about our call. There is a initial moment when He reveals that to us and He sends encouragement along the way. Os Hillman from TGIF devotional said something similar to this, “The depth and width of our calling is directly proportional to our faith experiences with Him.” (That’s close to his words.) I printed that devotional as a reminder because I felt that was true. It help me understand why all these powerful things were happening to me. I was on the speaker’s track at She Speaks. God told me not to read my evalutions from the second night. He would let me know when and if I need to read them. They are in my night stand and I have such a peace about it. I was not there to be evaluated. I was there because He wanted me there. It was a tremendous blessing to me. I pray He sends me next year. I have also noticed that many of the well known speakers did not feel comfortable in front of people at all when they heard the call. His strength and power through little us for His Glory; The spotlight is always on Him. A reminder to evaluate what and why we are doing what we are doing is always good. I love that Mary pondered the things said in her heart when the angel spoke to her. We all need to ponder more. Thanks. B His Girl
elaine @ peace for the journey says
Micca:
These are some well-timed thoughts for me in my own personal journey.
As I was running this morning, a song came over the IPOD (a Travis Cottrell song) that mirrored your sentiments. The words of the chorus…
“I will leave, everything behind. I will follow you, all my life. For you, O Lord, my heart’s desire…”
I felt God ask me again,
“Can you sing these words as your truth elaine?”
Yes, I can sing them, Lord. But living them is sometimes difficult.
Three months ago, I stood behind the pulpit of a church in Myrtle Beach on a Sunday morning doing something I had imagined myself doing, but never thought it would come to pass. I was the guest preacher that morning, and as we were driving home from that event, I had complete peace in my heart with tears to accompany alongside. I whispered to my husband and to my God, “It would be so wonderful if we could do this again, Lord.”
I think he agreed.
I do feel called, but am only now beginning to back it up with my steps of faith. And yes, I’ve talked to my pastor.
He knows me better than anyone, and he has been my biggest source of encouragement…my husband.
Thanks, Micca, for your transparent heart and words. I will be re-reading and watching for your next post.
peace~elaine
ThreeGirlyGirls says
Thank you Micca for this post…It was JUST what I needed today. I have been asking these questions over and over in my soul since I left She Speaks. I know that God is slowing giving me the answers, they aren’t all going to come at the same time!
Angela @ Refresh My Soul Blog says
Good stuff Micca. You are just a wonderful mentor to me. I am so thankful for you! You know my thoughts on this stuff. 🙂
May God bless you!
Angela