2) How God Calls
God began to make my call clear through several people and processes, I responded over time, and it took many years to become ordained. That is still an excellent route for many but is also nearly obsolete for others.
God’s voice must always be in the center of a call (it’s His church), but the traditional route doesn’t fit everyone.
It’s now more of a blend rather than clear lines of distinction between those who are full time and those who volunteer.
For example, there is a significant and growing group of business people who lead their businesses wholly for God and minister within their businesses. It’s a beautiful partnership with the local church.
This merger or blend of calling does not diminish the more traditional call; it’s an elevation of a lay movement rising to their greatest Kingdom potential.
On a practical level inside the church, the scope and definition of ministry has changed. We now have production specialists, creative teams, IT specialists, social media experts, etc. Without these uniquely called and gifted individuals, the church doesn’t function on a relevant level in current culture.
Their call to ministry is just as valid as ministry directors and ordained pastors.
3) What God Plans
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9
When it comes to how God wants to advance His Kingdom, culture is changing, and therefore new things are happening. I hope we are all open and receptive.
Much of my generation thinks of calling as a lifetime thing. I still believe that is right for thousands of men and women. But it’s not true for everyone.
God can bring people into vocational ministry for a season and send them back out into the marketplace. Both environments serve as training grounds.
I love the potential in this because it strengthens the partnership and bond between the church and business and non-profit by us understanding each element better.
The future is bright!!
This article originally appeared here.
