Episode 11: On Being “Called” to Ministry

Being “called” to ministry isn’t entirely personal, internal, and subjective. It involves both the individual and a church, an internal desire and external confirmation.

In this Pastors’ Talk episode, Jonathan asked Mark about common misconceptions of pastoral calling, how pastors can cultivate an environment where callings get tested, and the role of the church throughout. (Download on iTunes here.)

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Editor’s note: 

For more on this topic, consider the following resources:

• The Double Presumption of Calling to Ministry (by Bobby Jamieson)
• Eldering, Economics, and Calling to Ministry (by Bobby Jamieson)
• Reframing Calling: Words to Churches and Aspiring Pastors (by Bobby Jamieson)

SHOW NOTES:

– What does it mean that calling is both internal and external? (:30)

– Why would you slow a guy down who says, “I know I’m called to ministry”? (2:20)

– What do you say to someone who responds to your hesitation with, “But pastor, the Lord is leading me?” (5:00)

– What are some common errors churches make in discerning one’s sense of calling? (8:50)

– What’s a proper biblical understanding of calling in Scripture? How does it relate to vocation? (10:50)

– Who confirms a pastor? When you leave your church, are you still a pastor? (15:20)

– How does a man’s wife play into his calling as a pastor/elder? (16:40)

– How can a pastor cultivate a healthy environment to test young men and their calling to ministry? (19:05)

– Any general advice for those experiencing the call to ministry? (20:10)

– Is there a special calling for overseas missions? (23:50)

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Listen to the other episodes of Pastors’ Talk here.