Why Your Calling Still Matters After Years of Ministry

Chuck Lawless heard his call while sitting on the front pew of a church. (Pixabay)

I was 13 years old and in church for the first time in my life. I had just professed faith in Christ at the end of a service, and my pastor told me to sit on the front pew and complete the church membership form. I did so, understanding little but my desire to do whatever I needed to do to be a good Christian.

That's when it happened. My pastor stepped behind the pulpit and began making announcements, and I heard in my head these words: "I want you to preach my Word." I realize I may have readers who question my theology or wonder about my memory, but that's what happened. The words were so strangely clear to me that they have never wavered in more than 40 years. God called me to preach that day.

Here's why that calling still matters to me today:

  1. It gives clarity to my life. My roles have changed (pastor, seminary professor, missions team member), but my calling has not. Whatever seat I'm in, I know my calling is to preach the Word. Frankly, I believe I could fulfill that calling while teaching high school English as long as I proclaiming God's message.
  2. It encourages me to press on. Ministry can be difficult some days. More than once, I've thought about other things I could do. What I can't ignore, though, is that remarkable day decades ago when God saved me and called me.
  3. It helps me to counter discouragement. I wish everyone would listen to me when I preach, but that doesn't happen. I long for everyone to get saved, yet not everyone responds that way. Some days, I preach and then wonder why I'm so rotten at the task. Still, though, my calling trumps my discouragement.
  4. It reminds me that God knows and loves me intimately. He called me ... a 13-year-old kid who had already planned his life as a teacher ... a new believer who had not been raised in church ... a guy who could not have named any books of the Bible at the time. Somehow, however, He spoke to my soul that day.
  5. It reminds me of the power of the local church. God called me internally that day, but my church later confirmed that calling externally. They prayerfully saw something in me that they felt worth supporting. I will always be grateful for that Pisgah, Ohio, congregation that gave me my ministry start.

Why does your calling matter to you?

Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

Chuck Lawless is dean and vice president of Graduate Studies and Ministry Centers at Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina, where he also serves as professor of evangelism and missions. In addition, he is global theological education consultant for the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.

This article originally appeared at chucklawless.com.

Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

Dr. Steve Greene is now sharing stories, teachings, and conversations with guests who lead with love on Love Leads, a new podcast. Listen now.



Dr. Mark Rutland's

National Institute of Christian Leadership (NICL)

The NICL is one of the top leadership training programs in the U.S. taught by Dr. Mark Rutland. If you're the type of leader that likes to have total control over every aspect of your ministry and your future success, the NICL is right for you!

FREE NICL MINI-COURSE - Enroll for 3-hours of training from Dr. Rutland's full leadership course. Experience the NICL and decide if this training is right for you and your team.

Do you feel stuck? Do you feel like you’re not growing? Do you need help from an expert in leadership? There is no other leadership training like the NICL. Gain the leadership skills and confidence you need to lead your church, business or ministry. Get ready to accomplish all of your God-given dreams. CLICK HERE for NICL training dates and details.

The NICL Online is an option for any leader with time or schedule constraints. It's also for leaders who want to expedite their training to receive advanced standing for Master Level credit hours. Work through Dr. Rutland's full training from the comfort of your home or ministry at your pace. Learn more about NICL Online. Learn more about NICL Online.

Charisma Leader — Serving and empowering church leaders