Have you ever wondered what your calling in ministry is? Perhaps you feel a tug on your heart to serve God in a particular way, but you’re not sure how to discern what that calling is.
Or maybe you’ve been involved in ministry for a while, but you’re feeling a sense of restlessness or uncertainty about your path.
Whatever your situation, knowing your calling in ministry is essential for living a fulfilling, purpose-driven life.
Let’s take a look at practical steps you can take to discover your calling in ministry and gain clarity on the unique gifts and passions God has given you.
What Does It Mean To Be Called By God?
To be called and chosen by God means that He has set you apart for a special work, and it’s a sign of His favor and grace towards you.
However, it’s important to remember that being called and chosen by God also comes with great responsibility and sacrifice.
“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
God’s calling and choosing are not based on our qualifications, abilities, or achievements, but on His grace and purposes.
Therefore, it’s important to seek His guidance and direction as we pursue the calling that He has for us.
It’s also essential to trust in Him and rely on His strength to accomplish the work He has called us to do.
Steps To Discover Your Calling
Finding your calling in God involves discovering the purpose and direction that God has for your life.
Here are some steps that you can take to find your calling in God:
- Spend time in prayer and ask God to reveal His plan and purpose for your life. Ask Him to show you the talents, gifts, and abilities that He has given you and how you can use them to serve Him.
- Read the Bible daily. There are many stories of people who found their calling in God. Like Moses, David, and Paul, and see how God called them to serve Him.
- Talk to wise and mature Christians who can provide guidance and support as you seek to find your calling in God. Seek the advice of pastors, spiritual mentors, and other Christian leaders.
- Start taking steps towards your calling. Volunteer in your church, join a ministry, or start serving others in your community. As you take action, you will discover more about the gifts and talents that God has given you.
- Trust that God has a plan for your life and that He will guide you as you seek to find your calling. Be open to the doors that He opens and trust Him to close the doors that are not part of His plan for your life.
Remember, finding your calling in God is a journey, and it may take time. Stay faithful and seek His guidance and direction, and He will reveal His plan for your life.
What Is The Difference Between A Spiritual Gift And A Calling?
A spiritual gift and a calling are related concepts but have some differences.
A spiritual gift is a special ability or talent that God gives to believers to serve Him and others effectively. Spiritual gifts are given to every believer for the common good of the body of Christ.
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
A calling, on the other hand, may involve a particular career, ministry, or mission work.
It’s a unique assignment that God has given to an individual to fulfill a specific purpose or task.
While a spiritual gift is a general ability given to all believers, a calling is a specific task or purpose given to an individual.
However, a person’s spiritual gifts often align with their calling, and they use those gifts to fulfill their calling.
Ultimately, both spiritual gifts and calling are given by God for the purpose of serving Him and building up His kingdom.
It’s important for believers to identify and use their spiritual gifts and to seek God’s guidance and direction as they pursue their calling.
How Do You Know If God Is Calling You To Ministry?
Discerning whether God is calling you to ministry is a process that requires prayer, seeking counsel from other believers, and careful examination of your own heart and motivations.
Here are some signs that may indicate that God is calling you to ministry:
A strong desire to serve God – If you feel a persistent and overwhelming desire to serve God and share His love with others, it may be a sign that He is calling you to ministry.
Confirmation from others – Seek counsel from other believers, including pastors, mentors, and trusted friends, who can offer you wise counsel and help you discern whether God is calling you to ministry.
Spiritual gifts and talents – Identify your spiritual gifts and natural talents, and consider how you can use them to serve God and others.
Open doors – Pay attention to the opportunities that God brings your way, and consider whether they align with your passions and gifts.
Peace and confirmation from God – Ultimately, the best way to discern God’s calling is through prayer and listening to the Holy Spirit. Ask God for guidance and direction, and trust in His timing and plan for your life.
It’s important to remember that God’s call to ministry may look different for each person.
Some may be called to full-time vocational ministry, while others may serve in volunteer roles within their church or community.
Whatever your calling may be, trust in God’s leading and seek to serve Him with all that you have.
What Is The Five Fold Ministry?
The Five-fold Ministry refers to five specific roles or offices within the Church as described in the Bible.
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,
- Apostle – a person sent on a mission or a special envoy, usually refers to the early leaders of the Christian Church who were chosen and sent out by Jesus or the Holy Spirit to spread the gospel message.
- Prophet – A person who speaks for God and delivers messages or revelations from God to the people.
- Evangelist – A person who is called to spread the good news of the gospel and to lead people to faith in Jesus Christ.
- Pastor – A person who is called to shepherd or lead a local congregation, providing spiritual guidance and care for the members.
- Teacher – A person who is gifted in teaching and explaining the Bible and its meaning to others, helping people to understand and apply the Word of God to their lives.
These roles are not necessarily positions of hierarchy, but rather gifts given by the Holy Spirit to certain individuals for the benefit of the Church and for building up the body of Christ.
In other words, wherever The Lord places you, it’s not because you are so wonderful.
It’s to prepare the body of Christ for the coming of the bridegroom.
Bible Verses About Being Called By God
John 15:16 – “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”
Romans 8:28-30 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.”
2 Timothy 1:9 – “He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.”
1 Peter 2:9 – “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
Ephesians 4:1 – “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”
These verses show that being called by God is a significant and important part of the Christian faith.
It’s a sign of God’s grace and favor, and it comes with great responsibility and sacrifice.
As believers, we are called to follow God’s will and purpose for our lives and to serve Him with all that we have.
I wear many hats; Wife, Mom, Minister, Blogger and Entrepreneur.
It’s not easy juggling everything but with the Grace of God, I can do all things!
My plate is full but my cup runneth over!!
