How do I find my calling?

Introduction

Problems with the term “calling”

Seems vague, mysterious, and unknowable

“Calling” in Scripture is related to salvation

There are some examples of calling to ministry, but the Bible makes it a lot more about answering the call to believe and follow Jesus in general

Even people who lead churches don’t always have that “Macedonian Call” moment

What people mean by “vocation”

Comes from the Latin word for calling

But typically more associated with career

We say “vocational ministry” because everyone is a minister (2 Cor. 5), just not necessarily called to a career of planting or leading churches

Main question: what is my vocation?

If not ministry/missions, which career?

If ministry/missions, which type?

3 questions for discerning vocation

Am I fully surrendered to Jesus my Lord?

Matthew 5:8 // “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”

Would you do anything for Jesus without knowing ahead of time what he’s going to ask?

You have to open your hands before you start answering the question of what you should do with your life

Am I faithful in the little things already?

Can’t say “not called” if…

not practicing spiritual disciplines

not helping others grow in faith

not sharing your faith

not getting cross-cultural exposure

What’s the most strategic thing I can do to help finish the Great Commission?

Read Romans 16:1-16, 21-23 // 35 people who contributed to Paul’s mission

Not a matter of if you’ll be a Great Commission Christian, but how

GPS (gifts, passions, sense of purpose)

4 questions if sensing vocational ministry/missions

From Brad Wheeler — aspiration, attributes, aptitude, affirmation

Does my heart long to do this?

Aspiration grows over time, but it should at least be there some now

If you don’t feel aspiration, be sure that you’ve answered the first question positively. It could be you don’t feel aspiration because you’re holding out on God

Is my faith mature enough to take ownership of the faith of others?

Not perfect but heading in the right direction

Steady enough to deal with the heaviness

Do I have the appropriate gifts/abilities?

teaching, communicating the gospel, discipleship

The best way to find out is to test it out (STM, UY devos, etc)

Does my church affirm this feeling?

“Link your internal sense of calling with an external affirmation of calling”

There is no rogue missionary!

The church affirms and sends

Other ministers/missionaries will be the best source of wisdom

Conclusion

Either pray & give or go

The rich young ruler walked away from Jesus because he didn’t have the faith to open his hands

It all starts with that first question