In my previous article we considered the weightiness of pastoral ministry, which in turn demands sober prayerfulness in discerning whether God has called one to it or not. Because of the tremendous and sacred task that shepherding is, those considering ministry must be certain of a clear call from God. Below I want to outline how God calls individual Christians to serve him in this way.
Is Calling in the Bible?
Historically, the church has understood the call to ministry to consist of two parts (see headings below). Importantly, when it comes to this call we must distinguish it, as Michael Milton does in his outstanding book Called?, from two other types of calling in the Bible. These are the:
- General call, which God extends to everyone, urging repentance and obedience
- Effectual call, which pertains to God’s elect, who respond to him with true repentance and faith.
Over these two posts we’re considering what’s referred to as the technical call. This is when God calls his people to a specific task, area of service, career or vocation. Naturally, the call to pastoral ministry falls into this category.
Throughout the Bible we see God calling individuals to ministry.
Throughout the Bible we see God calling individuals to ministry, from the Old Testament prophets to the Apostolic age. Examples include: Moses, called through the burning bush to rescue Israel from Egypt (Exodus 3); Jeremiah, set apart by God before birth for prophetic work (Jeremiah 1:5); and Samuel, whose ministry began with an audible call from God (1 Samuel 3); and Paul, directly called through Christ appearing to him on the road to Damascus (Acts 26:15-18). It is therefore abundantly clear that being called to ministry isn’t foreign to scripture. Nor is the idea imposed on it. Though the methods may vary, God actively calls individuals.
1. The Inward Call to Ministry
This is, put simply, an inward desire and strong inclination to the work of pastoral ministry. It is most plainly stated in 1 Timothy, as Paul states that “if anyone desires for the office of overseer, he desires a noble task” (1 Timothy 3:1).
The inward call often begins with a desire to care for the spiritual well-being of others; and to preach God’s word. Charles Spurgeon describes it as “an intense, all-absorbing desire for the work.” Derek Prime and Alistair Begg underscore the importance of confirming this calling with as much certainty as possible. They write, “Advice frequently given is, ‘If you can avoid entering the ministry, do so! If you can do something else, do it!’ This is sound counsel. If it is right for a man to give himself completely to the ministry of the gospel, he will feel that it is the only thing he can do.” With that, I wholeheartedly agree.
The inward call is the desire and strong inclination to the work of pastoral ministry.
Some have had this desire ignited in them at conversion; others discover it much later on in their walk of faith. Only, the desire is valid in both cases. For those called earlier in life, pastoral ministry becomes their first (and probably) only vocation. Others have careers and then thereafter go into pastoral ministry. Scripture and practical biblical wisdom make room for both.
To illustrate the above, consider a few of Jesus’ disciples. Jesus called them when they were fishermen (Matthew 5:18-22); similarly Matthew was a tax collector before Jesus called him to ministry (Matthew 9:9-13). In contrast, Samuel the Old Testament prophet received his call in his youth (1 Sam 3:18). He performed that task for the rest of his life.
Do you have a fervent desire to preach God’s word? Do you recognise God’s equipping of you with the necessary gifts for ministry? Is your love for scripture accompanied by a compelling sense of duty to teach it? Do you love God’s people and care for their souls? These are some vital questions to help discern the inward call to pastoral ministry. But they are not the sole criteria for discerning a call to ministry.
2. The Outward Call to Ministry
What if someone is mistaken or self-deceived? In God’s wisdom and providence, the confirmation of a call to ministry doesn’t only involve an inward sense of calling. For there is also what is referred to as the outward call.
The outward call complements the inward call and helps to authenticate it.
As Brian Croft writes, “It is the local church that God has appointed to be the agent to test, train, affirm and send those who are called.” The outward call is a confirmation from others—through observation of character, theological assessment and personal interactions—that one is called and suited for pastoral ministry; it complements the inward call and helps to authenticate it.
The outward call involves confirmation by others, particularly the local church. Elders (leaders) and members alike observe and affirm a person’s suitability, based on biblical qualifications (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-7). The former are especially positioned to discern this call, but that doesn’t mean the larger church community should be left out.
The outward call to ministry often takes the form of people overtly pointing someone out. As someone is encouraged to serve more or entrusted with new tasks the leadership and local church observe that someone is suited, possessing not only the abilities or acumen but character required as well. Whatever form it takes, the outward call is best drawn from the local church.
“He Desires a Noble Task”
Pastoral ministry is a sacred calling that demands careful discernment and preparation. Its weighty responsibilities—preaching the word, shepherding the flock, and advancing God’s kingdom—carry eternal consequences. Those who feel called must discern this through prayer; careful self-examination through the lenses of scripture; and confirmation from the local church. The inward desire to serve and the outward affirmation of the church combine to provide clarity and confidence in the divine calling.
Pastoral ministry is a sacred calling that demands careful discernment and preparation.
As Paul reminds us, the aspiration to pastoral ministry is a noble task (1 Timothy 3:1). Yet James’ caution remains sobering. God will judge teachers with greater strictness (James 3:1). Therefore, if we aspire to this holy office, we must approach it with reverence, humility, and a deep sense of divine accountability, ensuring that we are indeed called by God to his work.
