“I’m not really sure what I’m called to do!” I can’t tell you how many times that I have heard that lately. For some reason I can’t get the phrase out of my head. At first, it bothered me because I have always felt passionate about things that God was leading me to do. I want others to have that same passion and vision about their life, future, and ministry. But I have wrestled with the statement because I think what they are really saying is, “I don’t know what my ‘specialized’ area of ministry is.”
As I look at Scripture, I do see God placing a special calling upon people’s lives. However, I do not see Him placing a “specialized” calling upon their lives. I don’t see that God is looking for specialists! I do see Jesus looking for servants! Were Peter, James and John “called” to be disciples? That was their title, but their calling was to be “fishers of men”. Paul was a church planter, but I don’t think he woke up one day with a revelation that it was his “specialized calling”. He just did what he was passionate about. He loved people and the church. So he started them…a lot of them!
Jesus involved a lot of people in ministry. As He mentored His twelve disciples, He didn’t hand out titles. He didn’t assign Peter to the youth pastor, John to be the worship leader, or Matthew to be the nursery coordinator. However, He did call them to pick up a towel and serve as He knelt down to wash their feet. Maybe Jesus is a lot less concerned with your area of service and much more concerned with how you actually serve your area!
Instead of asking, “What is my calling?” Ask the following questions:
- What is my passion?
- What do I love?
- What do I dream about?
- What makes me cry?
Gravitate toward the areas of ministry that you are passion about. However, don’t go looking for a title or an opportunity to LEAD if you haven’t first taken time to learn how to FOLLOW and SERVE.
When I was first starting in ministry I had a lot passion and little direction. I just served wherever I was given the opportunity. Imagine my surprise when my pastor put a plunger and a toilet brush in my hand and told me to keep the restrooms clean. It wasn’t glamorous, but I did it with excellence because it was my contribution. Be faithful in the small areas and Scripture says you will be given more responsibility.
Not sure where to start in order for you to discover where God wants you in ministry? Grab a plunger and get busy!
Wow, home sick scrolling facebook and I find this link. As I read your post I found myself thinking “Man I miss PA” I will be reading this everyday. Love to you and the family. Deb
So true Pastor Anthony. Hope all is well.