Yesterday, Aaron reminded us what we are to be looking for in a “faithful minister” – one whose personal holiness testifies to the power of the gospel. We know that this is an office not to be entered into lightly, and this Sunday morning in Sunday School, we will be thinking about “The Call To Christian Ministry” in our series “Conversations That Matter.”

One of the responsibilities that the leaders of Third Avenue Baptist have is to shepherd the young men in our congregation who believe themselves to be called to pastoral ministry.

Nearly four years ago, I moved to Louisville, KY, single and childless, with the intention of finishing my bachelor’s degree and with the hope completing an M.Div. I wanted to pastor upon graduation, something many can resonate with. Well, four years later much of that has changed. I’m now married and a father. With the exception of graduating from Boyce this coming May, my long-term plans are unclear. Many circumstances have caused me to question my original intentions. Yet, one thing is clear that wasn’t prior to coming to Louisville – the local church plays a vital role in my decision. As one who is considering his calling, here are some questions I often ask myself.

1. Do other members and leaders affirm my sense of calling? As grateful as I am for a seminary, it’s not the seminary’s responsibility to affirm this calling. It’s the church’s. During my years of study and preparation it is my responsibility to seek out the church’s counsel and affirmation about my calling.

2. Is my passion only for pastoral ministry? In my four years at TABC I’ve seen first-hand that pastoral ministry is not an easy task. The pastor must be a man called by God with a passion first and foremost for Christ and his church. I’m fortunate to have the privilege to work in the secular work place. This has exposed me to a number of other opportunities that I would not have had otherwise. God uses this exposure to help me discern my desires and calling.

3. Are there other ways I can be used by the church? You should not feel ashamed to have gone halfway through seminary and yet not have a firm conviction that you are being called into the pastoral ministry. Either way, you can trust that in God’s providence you will serve the church as God intended. It is a glorious thing to see members faithfully living and serving in a local church, whether they are finishing their Ph.D. or tending to their homes. God has gifted each to serve his church.

Hope to see you Sunday morning!

Posted in Pastoral Ministry |