So you’ve been feeling a call to the ministry and it won’t go away? You want to serve God with your life and reach the world for Christ? You have an undying passion to serve the Lord’s sheep? Then the Lord might be calling you to the ministry. But before you take the next step consider what the ministry entails:
ORDINATION: (Jer 1:5) “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” If God has called you to the ministry then He also ordains you for the ministry. He furnishes the calling of the heart, the Spirit’s power for service, and the gifts you need for the ministry that lay ahead.
PREPARATION: (1 Tim 4:15) Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. As you wait for that door to open in the future, prepare yourself now. Begin with your personal walk and devotional life. You can only lead someone as far as you have gone yourself. Then start serving your local church body and immediate community. Get involved in various ministries so you can get a taste of what specific area you might be called to. Succeed and fail in small arenas before you make an impact in larger spheres.
DESTINATION: (Rev 3:8) “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. God knows where you will serve. Wait on Him and let Him show you. Don’t force the doors open (you’ll be sorry!). Get the confirmations you need (scripture . . . God’s peace . . . circumstances lining up . . . godly counsel). You can’t trust your flesh so don’t try to make it happen . . . let it happen in the Lord. You always know when a shoe fits comfortably so wait for that perfect fit from Him.
MOTIVATION: (Mat 23:11) But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. Now you’re in the ministry. What attitude should you have? Be a servant. People are not there to serve you and build your kingdom. It is the Lord whom we serve and we serve Him by serving His sheep. Being a good shepherd includes tending the flock God has given you by feeding, guiding, nurturing, protecting, and warning them. Keep your love levels high and maintain a good attitude at all times. Remember you represent the Chief Shepherd.
DETERMINATION: (Heb 12:2) . . . who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame . . . The ministry is harder than you think. It requires tremendous sacrifice. Some have not been willing to pay the price so they opted out of the ministry for something else. Count the cost now. Then with determination never give up. The devil will try to get you to quit in a multitude of ways but remember that discouragement is his most common tool. Don’t give in!
MULTIPLICATION: (2 Tim 2:2) And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Invest in others so they can further the work and also for when you have finished your race and have gone to be with the Lord.
GLORIFICATION: (1 Pet 5:4) and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. The ministry has much challenge but it also has much reward. There is no joy like serving Jesus! People are the only thing you can take with you to heaven. It’s the best investment you can make. If God has called you to the ministry . . . don’t stoop to be a king. (C.H. Spurgeon)
Louie