While I was finishing this article, my family went to a week-long church conference—powerful times of worship, inspiring sermons, changed lives, the altars were filled repeatedly, people repenting, and people being saved. One evening during an invitation to the altar, my son walked forward and announced what we have seen coming for a while now: my son received his call to ministry. As a church, we prayed for him and celebrated together. This is just the beginning of a long journey. But this moment will be an important milestone for him throughout his ministry, especially when he faces difficulties. Wounds. Injustice. I’m reminded of Paul’s words: “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love” (Romans 5).
Are you still thinking about it? Good. It’s not an easy subject. Church leadership is an honorable position (1 Timothy 3:1). But it’s not something we should just waltz into. So on that note, I invite you to contact me. I don’t have all the answers. But I’d be happy to talk and pray with you about it. And if you want, you can check out my book, “Risking Leadership: Training Timothy for today’s church.” I hope it helps.
I pray now for God’s blessing upon you, especially for clarity regarding what he is calling you to do. Now get to it!
