“Call” may be difficult for some to fully grasp. I will attest often it is for ministers. In trying to explain it, words may not adequately convey what it means. To say “I was called” while true, not only is difficult to explain but at times difficult for me to grasp. I wrestle with that monthly when I meet with my spiritual director. As I tell Mark (and others as well), there are days when I feel both definite of and secure in my call.
Then there are other days . . .

So, call. How can we begin to understand it? Let’s start outside professional ministry, i.e., pastors. Those of you who were teachers, I believe you would say you were “called” to that profession. There was something inside you that pushed you into helping others through teaching. The same for doctors and others in the helping professions. In each, the prompting towards these professions most likely began at a very early age. While you may not have been able, or even capable, of understanding it, it was something that drove you.

Call it an itch, nudge, or whatever, I feel it’s real. The easiest way for me to relate is to recall the story of the “Princess and the Pea.” To remind you of the story, and I can’t remember all of the details, a princess continue to feel an irritant as she slept. No matter how many mattresses were added, the irritant we remained. Of course we the readers knew the cause of her being uncomfortable: a tiny pea. Such it may be as we explore our own professional calls.

But, is a “call” in the church just for those who become ministers? The easy answer is, Of course not. All are called and not just a few. It is important to note that disciples are not all called to the same ministries. The Apostle Paul was very clear about that. In his first letter to the church in Corinth, Paul addresses what may have been divisiveness over who had the greater gift. Paul’s response is that all gifts are needed in the church (read 1 Corinthians 12:1 to get what Paul says). He says that no one job is more important than another, even that of the pastor!

As Paul wrote, “Now you (in Greek this is a plural) are the body of Christ and individually members of it” (1 Cor. 12:27). We all are called to the ministries of the church. There is a catch, however. We have to have a grasp as to what gift we’ve been given by the Spirit. Without knowing that, we are useless to the church, and the church cannot function as God has created to be. It’s important that we spend time in prayer discerning our gifts. Only when we do that, and when we employ our gifts, can the church function as it’s been called. Oh, and there is no retirement age!

If you’ve not discovered your “call,” consult with one of your friends, one who is living out God’s call and claim in their life. Or, I’d be delighted to visit with you, not to give you something to do, but explore with you your call and the gifts God has given you. Only when we’re all working in concert together, utilizing our different gifts, can we truly be the church. See you on this exciting journey of discipleship!

Grace and peace,

Mike

January 22, 2017