Am I Called to Ministry? (9Marks Church Questions)
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Overview
Many new believers have questions about what it means to live as a Christian in the context of a local church, and pastors are looking for resources to pass along to their congregations to help them think biblically about the Christian life. Created in partnership with 9Marks, Church Questions is a series that seeks to provide ordinary Christians with sound and accessible biblical teaching by answering common questions Christians have about church life. Each booklet offers biblical answers and practical applications with the goal of nurturing healthy church practice and commitment.
In this addition to the series, pastor Brad Wheeler addresses the shortcomings of the word “calling” when talking with aspiring pastors about their desire to pursue ministry. Explaining why the idea of calling is both unbiblical and even unhelpful, Wheeler suggests a 4-part process as a better alternative—cultivate godly ambition, display godly attributes, develop an aptitude for teaching and discipleship, and receive the affirmation of a local church. Written from personal experience, this short book is designed to encourage men trying to discern their “next steps” to pastoral ministry.
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- Seeks to encourage men trying to discern their “next steps” to pastoral ministry
- Addresses the shortcomings of the word “calling” when talking about a desire to pursue ministry
- Suggests a 4-part process as an alternative to thinking about "calling" - ambition, attributes, aptitude and affirmation
Top Highlights
“But just as striking is the fact that the Bible prioritizes godliness, not giftedness. While many churches tend to focus predominately on competency, the Bible focuses on character.” (Page 31)
“In the New Testament, calling is synonymous with salvation not vocation.” (Page 15)
“In fact, the notion of calling can even be harmful to pastors already in ministry. I heard a local church leader recently say that ‘because we’ve been called by God, we can’t quit.’ I think he meant his statement as a ‘shot in the arm’ for tired pastors. But this way of thinking can riddle pastors with unnecessary guilt for leaving the pastorate when it may be the wisest and most loving thing for them to do for their church or their family.” (Page 20)
“Just think about the question: ‘Am I called?’ Where’s the focus? Squarely on the individual asking the question. It has a personal, subjective, even mystical ring to it, perhaps followed by long nights pondering the stars. But nowhere in the Bible is one’s fitness for ministry described in such an individualistic way.” (Pages 17–18)
“Churches raise up pastors, and churches send out pastors. If you want to pastor, you need to be deeply involved in a healthy local church.” (Page 49)
Christians are pressed by very real questions. How does Scripture structure a church, order worship, organize ministry, and define biblical leadership? Those are just examples of the questions that are answered clearly, carefully, and winsomely in this new series from 9Marks. I am so thankful for this ministry and for its incredibly healthy and hopeful influence in so many faithful churches. I eagerly commend this series.
—R. Albert Mohler Jr., President and Centennial Professor of Christian Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Sincere questions deserve thoughtful answers. If you’re not sure where to start in answering these questions, let this series serve as a diving board into the pool. These minibooks are winsomely to-the-point and great to read together with one friend or one hundred friends.
—Gloria Furman, author, Alive in Him and Labor with Hope
As a pastor, I get asked lots of questions. I’m approached by unbelievers seeking to understand the gospel, new believers unsure about next steps, and maturing believers wanting help answering questions from their Christian family, friends, neighbors, or coworkers. It’s in these moments that I wish I had a book to give them that was brief, answered their questions, and pointed them in the right direction for further study. Church Questions is a series that provides just that. Each booklet tackles one question in a biblical, brief, and practical manner. The series may be called Church Questions, but it could be called ‘Church Answers.’ I intend to pick these up by the dozens and give them away regularly. You should too.
—Juan R. Sanchez, Senior Pastor, High Pointe Baptist Church, Austin, Texas; author, The Leadership Formula