Not sure about you, but I love the ministry! The last few weeks have given me a chance to reflect on our calling (it’s “ours” because Kim was called to ministry before we ever met). First, let me say that ministry is not just a job. I’ve heard it said that if you can do anything else besides ministry then you should do it. I couldn’t agree more with that statement. The stakes are to high for people to stay in the church who are not called. So, what is a call? 1 Timothy 3:1 says
Here is a trustworthy saying: if anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task.
We have overcomplicated and under-lived-out the call to ministry. The call to ministry is simply a desire to serve the church full-time.
So, how do you know that you are NOT called?
- You want a 40-hour per week job. There is a definite balance in life and ministry, but ministry is not always a 40-hour per week job. Ministry requires a commitment to whatever it takes. In our house we call it the give and take. There are times where ministry requires more and times where it requires less. As a family, we balance that in our home. It’s a blast – we love serving together and we are teaching our kids to love His church!
- You are really passionate about other things besides the church. I am glad that God does not call everyone to ministry – He calls some people to support the ministry and that is awesome! If you are passionate about something else, do that and support the ministry by serving and giving.
- You want an easy job. Ministry is fun, but it is not always easy. It involves lots of people, and people are very messy! We all have baggage, and for some reason it all comes out in the church! Ministry is tough and not for the faint of heart.
- You like your weekends off. Unfortunately for some, a lot of what we do in ministry happens on the weekends. Honestly, this is a way of life for our family. In searching to fill ministry positions, we have seen people pass on FPC because we have Saturday night services. Whether it be Saturday or Sunday, you are going to have to work one day of the weekend in ministry. My dad has worked every other weekend for my entire life (for ExxonMobil) – it’s his job. The same is true in ministry – weekends are a part of the job.
- You don’t want to sacrifice. I know we sacrifice things for ministry. It really does not feel like a sacrifice, but everyone else says that it is. You will have give up “things” to be in ministry, but if you are called, it will be worth it.
If you are struggling with these things, consider whether you are called. If you are not called, it’s not a bad thing. Find something else that you desire and do that. It’s no less important, and it will give you fulfillment in life. Then, serve (unpaid) in the ministry of the church. You’ll have the best of both worlds.
Great post, Josh. Such great things to consider as you enter ministry and also to reevaluate on a regular basis.
nice post!
I liked this: “The stakes are to high for people to stay in the church who are not called.”
Great point. I see too many who are coasting or hiding out in ministry – it’s disappointing.
Josh, great post. I’m looking forward to Part 2. I’m guessing that you’ll touch on how to know when you ARE called to ministry. I just spent 5 days in Texas teaching. Long days, little sleep. It ranks as one of the most pivotal ministry experiences of my life. The more we serve and involve ourselves in the lives of others, the more we want to do the work of ministry.
Calling is a big deal for me because I was called to “ministry” long ago, but couldn’t figure out what that meant. God brought me through a great experience in the corporate world to show me that “ministry” can look different ways. God finally clarified my calling as a church business administrator. This isn’t just a job for me, this is my passion and it is so worth any sacrifice.
All Christians are called to full time ministry – some just get paid for it.
Good point!