Taking Your Next Step Toward Full-Time Ministry
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Starting Point

Discerning and Affirming God’s ‘Call’ on Your Life to Full-time Ministry

If you have just started seriously considering full-time service, you are probably trying to think through the many implications it has on your life. We have supplied a number of questions to help you gain an overall understanding of your call and the general process of God’s training program.

 

Clarifying the ‘call’:

·    What motivates you to want to go into full-time ministry?

·    Is this a new desire or has it been longstanding?

·    Where and when did it begin?

·    Write down as clearly as you can what God’s ‘call’ for you means.

 

Seeking Direction:

·    Have you prayed and fasted to confirm and clarify God's leading for your life?

·    What specific confirmations and clarifications regarding His will has He revealed to you?

·    Have you discussed your God-given burden with your church leaders?

·    What obstacles have you met up with?

 

Parental blessing:

·    What do your parents think about your going into full-time ministry?

·    What are their concerns? What might be behind those concerns?

God speaks to us through our parents even when they are older or are non-Christians. They might not be able to fully understand what we are talking about, but it is important that we honor them by respecting their advice and taking it seriously.

 

 

Marital unity:

·    If married, does your spouse share your vision?

·    Did you communicate your burden clearly with him or her?

The husband and wife both need to share the same willingness to serve the Lord.

As a husband, have you loved your wife and built up your marriage so that she has the needed security and love to share your vision? If not, wait and further deepen your commitment to properly establish your marriage relationship. Your wife’s eager participation is critical.

As a wife, have you discussed with your husband what his and your spiritual ‘dreams’ are? You need to pray and wait for God to fulfill them. Many times they are fulfilled only later in life. Meanwhile, discern how you can be a ‘helpmate’ to the way God is leading him.

 

Recognizing experiences:  

·    Are you serving now?   Where?

·    List the actual ministries you are doing (planning, counseling, visiting, teaching, serving, etc.).

·    List other ministries that you have participated in that are not listed above.

·    What spiritual gifts have you used in the above ministries?

·    What ministries do you like being involved in the most?

 

Training of in God’s Word:            

·    Have you personally done any serious study of God’s Word? List what it was and when it took place.

·    Have you received discipleship training or mentoring from another? Again list when it took place and what level it was (e.g. beginners, growth/overcomer, or training).

·    Have you taken any formal training programs? When did it occur? How did it help you?

 

Your spiritual life with God:

·    Do you meet with the Lord daily in prayer and reflective reading of His Word?

·    Are there days or times when you are not consistent? Why is this?

·    Do you keep a spiritual journal about what He is saying to you?

 

Formation of concrete plans towards the goal:

·    What steps have you taken so far toward serving full-time in ministry?

·    Are there certain skills or degrees that are necessary for service in your area of interest?

·    What barriers are between you and reaching that goal?

·    About how much time do you expect is needed to reach that goal?

·    What milestones have you already crossed?

Do not be frustrated at ‘closed’ doors. Take the steps that you can. Pray about how to overcome those final barriers to reach that goal. Remember that God places those obstacles there to shape our own faith and give us opportunity to grow. It is our training.

 

 

Final Thought

We strongly suggest regularly keeping a spiritual journal that traces God’s leading in your life. It is a place you can remember your calling. You can see how far God has brought you as well as stay focused on the challenges ahead. In any case, it is a time to be enjoyed. Look at it as a special time where He will be doing special things in and through your life.  A calling is, after all, a special joint venture in which He has called you to work along with Him and promises to equip and use you in that work.

 

Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go to the Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. (John 14:12-14 NASB).

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