How May a Young Man Know Whether He is Called or Not?

This week has been quite difficult for me, and it has been so for many reasons, but the main issue weighing upon my shoulders has been a sense of needing to recapture a vision of my "calling." Most anyone who reads my writings knows that over the past 5 years or so, I have pursued training to become a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Having graduated from Bible college after four years of mixed "results," I have had little development in defining my call to ministry (granted, much of this comes from my own sin in lackadaisical efforts and operating in a "denominational system" that doesn't quite match my own theological perspective). So, naturally, since graduation, I have been examining and thinking through my calling unlike any other aspect of my life. As I often do when in a state of questioning and seeking answers, I contacted a few friends and mentors for guidance. One of my most powerful influences, mentor and friend Dale Wallace, pointed me back to Charles H. Spurgeon's classic work "Lectures to My Students," a collection of lectures given to students at his preaching college concerning the ministry. Specifically, I was directed to read chapter 2, "The Call to the Ministry." Let me say that I am so thankful for the direction; in Spurgeon's writing I have gained much comfort and much assurance.

Though there are a dozen or so ideas I would like do discuss, my desire is to present one question raised by Spurgeon, and provide a summary of his answer. The question is this: "How may a young man know whether he is called or not?" Now, this question is not just for the young man first seeking assurance of his call, but is also for every man called to the ministry who struggles with whether or not he is truly following the will of the Lord. So, how does Spurgeon answer such a heavy question, how does a man know he is called?

In numbered form, his answer is four-fold:
1. "The first sign of the heavenly calling is an intense, all-absorbing desire for the work."
2. "In the second place...there must be aptness to teach and some measure of the other qualities needful for the office of a public instructor."
3. "In order further to prove a man's call...he must see a measure of conversion work going on under his efforts."
4. "It is needful as a proof of your vocation that your preaching should be acceptable to the people of God."

Firstly, a man must feel the call, it must be as a "fire in his bones." If anyone feels that they could do anything other than preach, then they should do it; this is not to say that if they are able to do anything else, for our preachers should be wise men who have the ability to do anything they set their mind to. Instead, the idea is that any man who desires to preach, must desire to preach the Gospel above anything else. However, desire is not enough, for in the second place, one who is called should have the gifts to serve effectively as a minister. If a man is a stuttering, stammering fool who slips and stumbles over every word he tries to utter, perhaps it is not best for him to serve in the role of teaching and preaching from one week to another. Also, if a man is not above reproach, nor matches the characteristics described in 1 Timothy 3:2-7 or Titus 1:6-9, he is not qualified nor possesses the qualities needed to minister in the pastoral office. If the desire is there, and the man is gifted, he should preach, but in so doing, be always mindful as to whether or not the Lord is using his preaching for the conversion of souls. Spurgeon acknowledges that there must be ears to hear, but if we are prayerfully seeking the Lord to use our service for His glory, it is doubtful that we should go an entire lifetime without seeing the effects of the Word going out. Along the same lines as this point comes the fourth proof for knowing if you are called; do the people of God approve of your ministry? Is their a local assembly of Christ's body which has been encouraged by your ministry and can fully attest to your usefulness in the Gospel ministry? This is much more than a pat on the back from the blue haired ladies, but are there numerous godly people who can strongly affirm that the Lord has called you to preach His Gospel message?

As I look upon these four points, they do provide quite a bit of support for my own calling, and I can find sufficient evidence to trust that the Lord is working in my life, preparing me to serve when and where He provides. We must always remember, however, that though we are called...we are not necessary. Our God does not "need" us anymore than He needed Pharaoh long ago; for even in his hardened heart, God used Pharaoh for His glory. We are not "special" in and of ourselves, any gift we have to offer Christ's body comes from our Father above. Let us remember that our calling is just that, something we are called to on behalf of the Lord Almighty. Brothers, examine yourself! Firstly, are you called to Christ? If so, have you been called to preach the Gospel in full time service? If you match Spurgeon's four points above, I believe you must pursue that calling above all else in your life. If not...stay away from the ministry. Honor God in a "secular" vocation. Perhaps Tim Keller's article, "Vocation-Discerning Your Calling," will provide some help if this is so for you.

Father, we praise your name for the work you have done through Jesus Christ, for the redemption you offer the world through his sacrifice. For those of us you have called to give our lives to proclaim that message to the world, give us a clear sense of our calling, that we may be emboldened to stand before any man with confidence in the work of Christ. For those who think they are called, but are of little use to you and your Kingdom, rebuke them and help them find their way that they may best honor your name with their lives. You are a gracious God and we thank you for all things, for all things come by your power. In the name of your glorious Son, Jesus the Christ, we pray; Amen.