by John Gross
One of the most challenging biblical questions of ministry is: Is an individual “God-called” into ministry? The Bible is full of individuals who answered the call of God as they were persuaded in their hearts/spirits that God had spoken to them.
We have the record of Jesus calling his 12 disciples; Saul and Barnabas received a call and anointing of the Holy Spirit as they were sent out to make disciples of all nations. The Bible is filled with such examples.
While examining these calls, there is no record of any one of them anointing themselves. Each had a story of their individual calling. Each gives a testimony to their unworthiness and humbleness as they submit to a surrendered life.
Today, our calling stories contain similar experiences. Even though our stories differ, our experiences bring us to the same conclusion. It is not necessarily with a verse that we explain the call of God, but rather with life experiences and convictions that connect to the Word of God, the Holy Spirit, and will of God the Father.
The calling story of each individual is unique to the time, the place, and the personality of the one receiving the call. It is not necessarily a one-time dynamic experience, but rather a series of persuasions that takes place within the individual. Mine occurred over several years, beginning at about the age of 12 and culminating with a total surrender to the ministry during my junior year of high school. Now, after 50 years of fulltime ministry, I can say I always had the foundation of a calling story from God.
My encouragement to all church planters is be sure you have a calling story and be sure you can articulate it in a manner that convinces those you are leading to believe and follow.