Called to the Ministry
There are three places in the Bible that show a special calling to the ministry:
- Called by supernatural revelation
(Romans 1:1 KJV) Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
- Holy Spirit spoke to them
(Acts 13:2 KJV) As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
- Vision
(Acts 16:9 KJV) And a ision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
The gifts of pastors and teachers are still in function today but there are no callings as such today. In 1 Timothy, Titus, and 1 Peter, we learn of the qualifications of a minister. These are positions are filled by spiritual mature men who desire positions of leadership in the local assembly.
We do not need to have a special call to the ministry. We are already commissioned as an ambassador for Christ and every believer is to make a contribution to the work of the ministry, evangelism, edification, etc. We are all responsible to sit down and determine where the best place to serve and apply the doctrine of the grace of God.
Reference used:
My notes from teaching by Richard Jordan
From tape series:Understanding the Grace Alternative
Understanding God's Will