Me...Pastor? Missionary?
Is
God leading you to full-time ministry?
On April 22, Benny gave a message on leading into
full-time ministry. I'm sure some people checked-out from the topic but I
trust that the topic resonated with a few of you. Some of you may be
enthusiastic and directed toward work outside of ministry—and that's
great! (We should not believe that church ministry or mission work is
the pinnacle of all careers, and all other work is less significant or
meaningful. God calls each of us into different fields.) There are some
of you, however, who get a great sense of satisfaction and enjoyment
from leading in a church setting, teaching Scripture, sharing your faith
and/or serving people. You may have experienced the satisfaction and
enjoyment in HSMT, Hi Koi, on-campus ministries or going on mission.
This may be indicative of God's leading.
Four
areas were noted in considering full-time ministry:
-Inner conviction. Just as someone is strongly
convinced to be a physician, accountant or electrician, God can place
within you a passion and determination to be in ministry. You are sure
this is where God wants you to be and to do despite many skills and
options outside of church/mission ministry. [Read Jeremiah 1]
-Confirmation by others. A strong indicator
for ministry vocation is when respected leaders, friends and counselors
affirm your giftedness when you serve. Your humility may "blind" you
from seeing your results, but when you have observant, God-minded
individuals in your corner, those folks can tell you honestly that you
have qualities suited for ministry. [Acts 9:17-27]
-Effectiveness in ministry. By your direct
involvement you draw people closer to God. Through your teaching,
speaking and leading, the Holy Spirit moves in people's lives. People
"get it" when you teach or speak. If you share the gospel with others,
they are convinced and willing to make a spiritual decision for God. [Acts
11:19-26]
-Joy and peace. Teaching,
speaking and leading can possibly cause a knot in your stomach when
you're preparing. Message or devotionals may not go the way you were
hoping or have the outcome you were seeking. Nonetheless, God leaves
with you a deep peace and joy because you were obedient and faithful.
You recognize that you're a mouth-piece for God and it is He who changes
and transforms hearts and lives. You are satisfied in your role to be
faithful to your task.[Philippians 1]
Here's the tough part. As early as elementary
or middle school, you could possibly have been influenced that you must
do (or be) something "reputable" that will honor your family name or
preserve the recognition of your parents. It may seem like ministry
or mission isn't listed as "reputable". Or, it may possibly be—as
collegians or soon-to-be graduates—that you feel you must have a career
that honors the financial sacrifice and investment your parents put into
you. (With today's job prospects, there's even more pressure to repay
mom and dad.) It may seem like ministry or mission cannot supply that
respect. Or, it may be that you think being a pastor or missionary
requires the holiest of holiest people. It may seem like you come up
way short in that area.
For those of you who meet the four areas above
yet grapple with these tough issues, the only certain advice that can
be given is this: Trust. In. The. Lord. Psalm 37:3-5 says this, "Trust in
the LORD and do
good; Dwell in the land and cultivate
faithfulness. Delight
yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the
LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it." All ministers, pastors or
missionaries of God, at one time or another, have wrestled with this
decision. "Am I called?" "Am I qualified?" "Am I godly enough?" "Is this
really where God is leading me?" Ultimately, it comes down to putting
your trust into the God who has begun to shape you into the minister,
pastor or missionary you're already becoming.
Be in prayer. Listen for God. Surrender.
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