A pastor doesn't necessarily have to experience a special, supernatural, or subjective "call" in the mystical sense often imagined. Instead, the biblical understanding of a pastoral "calling" often encompasses an internal desire, recognized spiritual gifts, and affirmation by the church community, aligning with New Testament teachings on qualifications for ministry.
Understanding the "Call" to Pastoral Ministry
The concept of a "call" to ministry can be interpreted in various ways. It's crucial to distinguish between a dramatic, audible voice from God and a more ordinary, yet profound, leading.
- Internal Desire (The "Desire" for the Work): Biblical teachings, particularly in the New Testament epistles concerning church leadership, suggest that the path to pastoral ministry isn't primarily defined by a unique, supernatural, subjective experience. Rather, they highlight that if anyone desires the office of overseer, he desires a good work. This emphasizes a genuine, Spirit-prompted internal inclination and passion for the work of ministry as a foundational element.
- Biblical Qualifications: Beyond mere desire, the New Testament outlines specific character traits and abilities for those aspiring to leadership roles like pastors (often referred to as overseers or elders). These qualifications are more objective and observable, focusing on maturity, teaching ability, family life, and reputation.
- Affirmation by the Church: A significant aspect of a "call" involves the recognition and affirmation by the local church. The community, guided by the Holy Spirit, discerns whether an individual exhibits the necessary gifts, character, and readiness to serve in a pastoral capacity. This collective affirmation acts as an external validation of the internal desire and observed qualifications.
Key Elements of a Pastor's Calling
For someone to genuinely be "called" to pastoral ministry, several interconnected elements typically come into play:
- 1. Internal Desire: A deep-seated, God-given desire to teach, shepherd, and lead God's people. This isn't just an ambition for status, but a heart to serve the church.
- 2. Biblical Qualifications:
- Character: Blameless, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.
- Family Life: Manages his own household well, having submissive children.
- Maturity: Not a recent convert.
- Reputation: Well thought of by outsiders.
- 3. Spiritual Gifts: Evidence of gifts relevant to pastoring, such as teaching, shepherding, leadership, and exhortation.
- 4. Affirmation and Recognition: The local church and its leadership observe these qualities and gifts, recognizing the individual's suitability for ministry and affirming their call through prayer and, often, ordination.
- 5. Opportunities to Serve: God often opens doors for individuals to exercise their gifts in practical ministry settings, providing experience and further confirmation.
Differentiating "Calling"
It's helpful to view the "call" to ministry not as a single, dramatic event, but as a convergence of these factors.
| Type of "Call" | Description | How it Manifests |
|---|---|---|
| Internal | A God-given desire and burden for the spiritual well-being of others and the proclamation of the Gospel. | A strong, persistent inclination towards ministry, a passion for teaching and discipling. |
| External | Affirmation by the Christian community, based on observable character, gifts, and fruit of ministry. | Recognition by elders/leaders, encouragement from fellow believers, doors opening for service. |
| Divine | The sovereign work of the Holy Spirit in gifting, preparing, and guiding an individual. | The development of spiritual gifts, growing maturity, and a sense of God's leading in life's path. |
Ultimately, while the experience of a "call" can be deeply personal and profound, the New Testament emphasizes that the primary indicators for pastoral ministry are a genuine desire for the work, the demonstration of biblical qualifications, and the affirmation of the church community.
