How Do I Know If God Is Calling Me to Be a Pastor?

Summary

The transcript discusses the discernment of a calling to pastoral ministry. It emphasizes the importance of a persistent desire for the role, which is not a fleeting impulse but a recurring and unshakeable aspiration. Key qualities to look for include teaching gifts and wisdom in dealing with people, as per First Timothy. Additionally, seeking confirmation from others is crucial; if one's ministry is not recognized or supported by the church, it may indicate a disconnect. Positive feedback and people being drawn to one's presence are signs of a life-giving ministry. Lastly, circumstances and opportunities that align with one's sense of calling should be considered, with prayer and immersion in the word of God guiding the journey.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Look for a strong and recurring desire to confirm your calling as a pastor.
• 📖 Aspire to the eldership according to First Timothy.
• 🎓 Seek gifts needed in pastoral ministry, such as teaching and wisdom with people.
• 🌱 Cultivate and exercise the gifts you find within yourself.
• 🗣️ Look for confirmation from others in the church community.
• 👥 Pay attention to how people respond to your ministry efforts.
• 🔔 Seek opportunities and circumstances that confirm your calling.
• 🙏 Soak your life in prayer to guide your path.
• 📚 Immerse yourself in the word to develop spiritual aroma.
• 🌬️ Follow the direction the spiritual aroma leads you.

Q & A

What is the first sign to look for when considering a calling to be a pastor?

A strong and continually recurring desire that cannot be shaken, indicating a persistent aspiration to the eldership.

According to the transcript, what biblical reference is given for the need of certain gifts in pastoral ministry?

First Timothy is mentioned as a reference that requires gifts such as teaching for pastoral ministry.

What type of wisdom is suggested as necessary for pastoral ministry?

A certain kind of wisdom with people is needed, which implies an understanding of how to interact and communicate effectively with a congregation.

How can one cultivate and exercise the gifts needed for pastoral ministry?

By looking for those gifts, doing what you can to exercise them, and seeking opportunities to practice and develop them.

What role do other people play in confirming a calling to be a pastor?

Confirmation from others is important; when people are helped by your ministry and express their appreciation, it can be a sign that you are on the right path.

Why is it significant if people start to drift away from someone considering a pastoral calling?

If people are not drawn to you for guidance or conversation, it might indicate that your presence is not life-giving, which is a crucial aspect of pastoral ministry.

What does the transcript suggest as a method to confirm a sense of calling?

Look for circumstances that confirm the calling, such as opportunities that emerge and positive feedback from your efforts in leading and sharing the word.

How does the transcript recommend immersing oneself in preparation for pastoral ministry?

By soaking one's life in prayer and immersing oneself in the word of God, which can help guide and direct one's path.

What is the metaphor used in the transcript to describe the process of confirming a calling?

The metaphor of a pot with an aroma that blows in a direction is used to describe how one should follow the spiritual signs and nudges that confirm a calling.

What exception is mentioned in the transcript regarding the church's role in confirming gifts?

There are exceptions where a prophetic voice may rise up and not be recognized by the church, indicating that not all gifts are immediately confirmed by the congregation.

What is the importance of leading a small group and sharing the word according to the transcript?

Leading a small group and sharing the word are ways to exercise and confirm one's gifts and calling, as well as to receive feedback and confirmation from others.