Called. Gifted. Anointed.

This week’s encouragement is for all of us, although it will seem that I am talking to a narrow band of people who are trying to discover if they are formally being called to the ministry. It is good for us to explore these ideas because they will help us appreciate our pastoral leadership team, it will assist us when our church is searching for a new pastor, or if we are looking for a church home to attend and serve.

Let me start with another story. When in the 1990’s I was hired to the adjunct faculty of Talbot Theological Seminary, I taught scores of students the elements of preaching. I would start out each semester asking each student to come to the podium to introduce themselves to the class. (The real purpose was to break the ice, and get them more comfortable.)

“Why did you choose to come to this seminary?” I would ask. I was surprised at the range of answers. Some had tender stories to tell about how God had moved in their hearts with a clear, unmistakable sense of call, and were preparing themselves to do their best when God assigned them a church family to shepherd. (Good. I was making notes.) Other answers concerned me: Here’s three:

❑ “I tried for a degree at Pepperdine but flunked a required math class. So, I tried two other majors, but lost interest. I just thought I’d try seminary. Why not? My parents are glad to pay the bill.”

❑ My folks wanted me to get out of the house and make something of myself. They favored Notre Dame. I chose Talbot because it was close to Redondo Beach, and I could still surf.”

❑ “I’m in awe of John McArthur’s preaching. I want you to help me preach like that great man!”

True stories! Later, I found myself in the Dean’s, opening the question about how this or any seminary can ascertain the divine “calling” of students they admit for ministerial training. Dr. O’Neal sighed. “The Lord,” he affirmed to me, “has that covered. All our students will benefit from our training, although what they do with their education is between them and the Lord -- and whatever ministry opportunity He may open up to them. In God’s time, His genuine calling will become evident.”

His words of wisdom quieted my concern. Whether a “want-to-be,” or a “called-to-be,” my goal was to equip each student with skills that God may anoint as His plan unfolds for his or her life.

What does the “call to the ministry” really involve? True ministers of God who are given to the church as described in Ephesians 4:11 share in common three things: They are called. They are gifted. And they are anointed. Very briefly, let me define each of these divinely apportioned ministry features.

1. Calling: The Lord of the Church reveals directly to certain individuals that He is calling them to minister is His Body, the Church. Romans 10:14-15. 14b How then shall they [unsaved Israelites] call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent?

2. Gifting: The leaders God gives to the church are equipped by the Holy Spirit with a gift-mix He has designed to enable them to function powerfully and effectively in their assignment to perfect the saints. They not only exercise spiritual gifts, they also model the use of spiritual gifts, and encourage others to step up and serve, too, in partnership with them to honor Christ.

3. Anointing: As they walk in their calling and gifting, God’s select ministers prove to be effective. Their ministries bear fruit that remains. The sheep recognize the voice of the Chief Shepherd ministered through His team. When a pastor receives a “call” from a church, it validates the “call” of God.

Maybe I am talking about your own growing awareness of the hand of God being placed on your life. As with the young man Samuel, consider waiting for that next inner prompting and responding, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” A small step, but He will lead you step-by-step into His will.