Called to Ministry? Five Things to Consider

Do you feel called to ministry and don't quite know what to do with it?

I've been there! Here are five things to consider and pray about before launching out into ministry:

Calling

Have you personally received a call from God to step out in the direction you’re going?

Ministry is not for vanity or personal fulfillment. It’s about serving God and His agenda. Make sure you’re not just assuming a position or trying to fill a void that actually needs healed.

There’s plenty of ways to serve while waiting for the confirming call.

Conviction

Do you have conviction about what you’re aspiring to do? Does your heart burn to stay steadfast in this direction? Would you do it even if for years you got nothing or little in return?

Paul said it like this, “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship.” 1 Corinthians 9:17-18

Covering

Just like an umbrella keeps you from getting wet and a tree helps to provide shade from the burning sun, the concept of covering is meant to be a blessing in your life, not a hinderance.

Who has walked with you and can verify your fruit?

Who can attest for your character?

Who can you call on when you need shelter from a storm?

Who can rebuke you?

Who can back you in prayer?

They’re not your god, but they are sent by God!

Commissioning

Be a sent one, not a went one.

 Acts 13:2-3: “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

The Holy Spirit knows how to initiate your time. Be careful not to go before it.

Crushing

Surprising, I know.

Have you been able to have your will crushed by God? Or are you still throwing temper tantrums when it doesn’t go your way?

 Have you been able to be still enough in suffering, allowing God to crush what’s been in order to produce fresh oil?

 If God’s desire is to entrust His work into your hands, have you proven to be able to carry it out? If you haven’t been able to stand the pressures before ministry, there will only be more on the other side.

 

 

These are simply things to consider, not me trying to make new laws. 

There are certain patterns in scripture we see that create safe parameters for stepping into starting in or a ministry. One thing is for certain, God is not a man that He should lie- if He said it, it will come to pass! It's better that He open the door over time than you bust one open and not have the grace for where you pushed and promoted your way into. 

If you know you're called to ministry but don't know how it will happen, consider these points. If they reveal a process to you, take it into prayer on how you can walk that out.