Christians, what does it mean when people say "God called me into the ministry"?

Question

and how do I know if I am called into the ministry?

Answer 1

it means you know in your heart that that is what God desires of you, and no matter the cost you will do it - you are not doing it for fame, or money,or power - you are doing it because you know you can do nothing else - that is how you know :D

Answer 2

All believers are called to minister the word of God. It does not necessarily need to be a pastoral or leadership position. Each Christian should have a ministry centered mindset which simply means placing other's needs before your own.Those that are called to specific church ministries, which I believe you are asking here, know in their knowing or simply have no doubt. The pull to move in that ministry direction is so great that they don't have to think about it - they just respond to the Holy Spirit's prompting by taking the appropriate steps - along with confirmation through prayer and possibly confirmation from others. When God wants something done, He will get it done. Each life is purpose filled. We just need to be willing and open to His guidance.

Answer 3

First, if you need to ask "how do I know if I am called into the ministry" you most certainly are not called of God. For God is not quiet even in a whisper, and reveals to those He chooses what they shall do to glorify Him. As it is written: We know in whom we have believed. So also, we understand that it is God that sets the members, everyone of them as it pleases Him. By faith we hear, and know, and learn, and are taught, and receive, and do, and witness a good confession. So simply, when one truly says "God called me into the ministry" they are confessing the power of godliness and an endless life, giving the glory to God, testifying in the hearing of men living truth given from above. For no man can minister grace but they be called of God: for every good gift comes down from the Father of lights. Thus and again, if their witness is truth, that God called them, they are a vessel in His hand, and the things they do in His Name are not of their own mind and invention, rather of the mind of Christ, the will of the Father, unto the manifestation of the Kingdom of God upon the earth. If you would consider these things, I shall tell you that God called me into the ministry. And consider now how it is that one which once did deny the things of holiness, now declares that those things are true. And here is a taste of the ministry God called me into: http://www.mtaonline.net/~fom Judge you if I know I am called into the ministry, or if I yet wonder in a doubt.

Answer 4

All Christians are called to a specific function in the church (2Tim. 1:9, 2Peter 1:10). Understand that there are two sides to calling -- in the governmental ministries which normally deals with leadership and administration (pastors, evangelist, teachers, etc.)
Then there is the congregational ministries which are callings for helps, mercy, hospitality, missions or exhortations .

So it depends on where your gifts and talents are which will determine mostly where you are called to participate. But as a Christian all should participate in the activities of the church.

All calls for service are important and necessary for the function of the body of Christ.

Answer 5

When you spend time with God and have a personal relationship with God He will tell you what He has called you to do. If you feel God has called you to the ministry I would say pray about it and ask God to show you what He wants you to do. And whoever your Pastor is I would say talk to him as well about what you feel.

Answer 6

I agree with Tree of Jesse. It is by God's Holy Spirit that He puts it on your heart to want to go into the ministry-either as a pastor, or a missionary, or something. Take care.

Answer 7

It means that the Lord has laid it on your heart to do some type of ministry, in my case I was praying that if the Lord would give me a van I would pick up little kids my sons age (5) and bring them to sunday school and church, at that time he laid it on my heart that he wanted me to sing for him. I have been singing for the Lord in churches and gatherings for 16 years now. He can speak through circumstances, the word, a preacher, the witness of the Holy Spirit, etc. many many ways.

In my husbands case he was praying if the Lord would have him to mow the church grass etc. and the Lord called him to preach the gospel.

He is able to lead us in the right direction, we must just be willing to do whatever he ask.

Answer 8

Many are called few are chosen. God has as many different ways of calling his elect in the ministry as their are people.

Answer 9

Near as I can tell, you're supposed to hear a voice inside your head saying, "Hey you! Go into the ministry, it's a great job with great benefits!" or something like that. Or, I dunno, you could just train for the ministry and then PRETEND you heard the voice in your head. Nobody will know the difference because there isn't any.

Answer 10

It means that those 'called' to be in the ministry feel that that is what they are supposed to do with their lives. You know if you are called if you feel strongly about it, if you want to commit yourself to it for the rest of your life. It's like teaching, or dedicating yourself to being a CEO.

Answer 11

It means that if you follow the will of GOD for your life. You will be a servant. The best way to explain the role of a minister is a term Paul uses a couple of times. It's. Bottom rower. Like the guys with the paddles in the bottom of the boats.
Have no fear, you can't mess it up or miss it unless you just flat out refuse to do it.