(10) Am I Called to the Ministry?

Throughout much of church history only so-called "religious workers" had callings. Ordinary people simply had jobs. But all believers are, in fact, "servants of the Lord" (Psa. 113:1). "Every living member of the body of Christ is undeniably a partaker of Christ's anointing and hence a prophet, a priest and a king." Gospel ministry is but one of countless opportunities to live out the office of believer. Paul Helm is right: "The difference between minister and cobbler is functional: both are equal as believers before God, both have worthwhile work, but that work is different merely because each has a different gift and opportunity."

Still, there must be pastors and teachers "to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ" (Eph. 4:12). The calling of a minister is not a better work than others. But for some, becoming a minister is the best work because God has called them to it.

Too often how God calls men to the ministry is needlessly shrouded in mystery. As a result men give little thought to the possibility of gospel service, and believers fail to help them find their calling. If God calls ordinary Christian men to become pastors, we should know how he does it.