The Calling

STORY

When talking about Encounter - I think stories help so much.

My story of a camp encounter with God - feeling God calling me into youth ministry.

High school boy - Get’s see free from sin and addiciton, encounters God. Next year - God calls him into full time ministry.

High School Girl - Not called into full time ministry. But after encountering God at camp, she wanted to start a Gospel Club at her high school so she could tell others about Jesus.

STRUGGLE

There’s a pattern that i’ve seen for awhile.

That after God encounters you in life - he often calls you to do something right after.

What does it mean to have a calling?

Let’s define that word Calling.

Calling - God’s invitation for individuals to fulfill a specific purpose or mission.

Big Idea - God wants to use encounters we have with Him to lead to callings on our lives.

SCRIPTURE

Exodus 3:6–10

In the middle of this encounter Moses is having with God, God calls him to set his people free from Egypt.

He didn’t just experience a cool moment with God, he was called by God to do something cool.

Acts 9:4-6, 15

We see Paul encounter God and be blinded by Him! Totally changed his life.

BUT - That encounter also led to a calling. It wasn’t just about converting Paul to follow Jesus, it was about Paul being called into ministry.

STEP

It’s really easy to just want to encounter God.

Just worship

Just sing

Just Read Bible, Pray

But a true encounter with God leads to something more than just goosebumps and tears at an altar.

Leads to a calling.

How do we know if we’re called? What are we called to?

We’re all called to “make disciples”

Looks like living like Jesus

Looks like telling others about Jesus

God has called us to have special giftings and abilities in our lives

How can we use those for His glory and not just ours?

God has called some of us, like Moses and Paul, to full time ministry.

God can reveal that in multiple ways.

This can be pastor, youth pastor, worship pastor, missionary.

Remember though - We are ALL called to make disciples, not just those called to be in full-time ministry.

WEEKLY NEXT STEP - What Is God calling me to do? How can I let my encounters with Him lead to a calling on my life?

Before we go into groups - let’s pray.

GROUP QUESTIONS

1. Have you ever had a moment where you felt like God was real—like He was speaking to you or doing something in your life?

2. We learned that a calling is when God invites you to do something for Him.

What’s something you think God might be calling you to do right now—even if it feels small?

3. Moses was called to free people. Paul was called to preach.

Why do you think God gives different people different callings?

4. We said that we’re all called to make disciples—what does that look like for someone your age?

5. What are some gifts, talents, or interests you have that you could start using for God?

6. This week, what’s one step you can take to follow God’s calling—