Responding to God's Call

God calls every Christian to full-time ministry.All Christians are called to minister. God's call to ministry is not limited to a few saintly Christians who are deeply committed to pray, sacrifice and serve while others live "normal" lives in a secular society. Whatever vocation God calls you to-carpenter, doctor, farmer, teacher, homemaker, missionary, nurse-becomes the arena for your ministry.

While not everyone will earn their living through full-time ministry, every Christian must choose a vocation and carry out ministry as God directs. Everything you do must be for God's glory. God expects full-time Christian service from you.

God's call comes to people in different ways.

Biblical accounts of God's call vary greatly. It would be easier if God would speak his will in a clear, audible voice, burn a bush or two, or send an engraved invitation. It would require less faith if he called us all in the same, predictable way. Instead, he expects us to be sensitive and obedient to his direction as he leads us step by step.

God equips us and helps us fulfill his call.

God is the source of the gifts and graces that equip us to fulfill his call. Your call will take advantage of your strengths-an important indication of God's will for you. You may not be aware of those qualities and abilities before he calls you. The advice and help of other Christians will guide and affirm you as you seek to develop and to use your God-given potential for him.

God call some Christians to specific kinds of ministry.

Some Christians will be called to specific ministries, such as pastor, missionary, Christian education, or other ministries, in response and in obedience to the call of God. These callings carry with them such responsibility that the church requires special educational preparation in order to serve. Approval to serve in these areas includes careful examination and nurture before endorsement is given, credentials are granted, and appointments are made.

God calls us through other Christians

Fellow Christians have an important role in confirming or correcting your perception of God's call. Because everyone will not understand your response to God's call, you should prayerfully listen to fellow believers who encourage or question your pursuit of a particular ministry. God may be speaking through them. Then again, God may not be. You must discern the voice of God.


References:
Samaritan Counseling Center Congregational Ministries of Health. Parish Nursing Certification Course. Lancaster, PA: 2008.