VOCATIONAL MINISTRY

Every believer has a role in the Body of Christ, but how do you know if you're called to 'vocational' ministry? (i.e. pastor, missionary, evangelist ... supported by the church) 

Take time to carefully examine your motive: 

• Do you truly feel this call is from God or is it simply a personal aspiration? 
• Is it an attempt to live up to someone else’s expectations of you?  
• Are you trying to make up for something? 

Public ministry should never be entered into lightly. God holds spiritual 'leaders' to a higher standard ... Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. (James 3:1)

We can learn a great deal from Isaiah. Standing in the Lord’s presence, he was made aware of his sin and unworthiness to serve God ... Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips. (Isaiah 6:5)

He subsequently underwent a cleansing that prepared him for the Lord's divine commission. When God asked 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' ... a grateful and enthusiastic Isaiah did not hesitate, 'Here am I, send me'. (Isaiah 6:8)

For the rest of his life, he faithfully served the One who had forgiven and saved him.

If God has truly called you to vocational ministry, He will equip you and fill you ... so that your life may be poured out for others. The following benediction reminds us from Whom all blessings flow ... 

Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21)

Be courageous as you step out by faith, 'called one'.