Five Signs You’re Meant to Enter the Ministry

Signs You're Meant to Enter the Ministry

• You possess the traits of a spiritual leader.
• You have a fervent desire to serve God.
• You've been told you're well-suited for ministry.
• God is flinging open the door of opportunity.
• You're spirit-filled.

As an impassioned Christian, you're looking for signs you're meant to enter the ministry. You're thrilled by the prospect, envisioning the work you'd do! Yet, along with the waves of excitement, there's an undercurrent of fear and doubt.

You've been asking God for clear direction. How do you know you've been called? Here are signs the Lord's got your number.

1. You possess the traits of a spiritual leader.

In Paul's letter, 1 Timothy 3, he describes the qualities of God's shepherds. Paul states that a minister must be respectable, levelheaded, and hospitable. He should be sensitive to people, honest, generous, and diplomatic. If he doesn't handle his personal affairs well, he's not meant for leadership.

In Titus 1, Paul continues his description of a model curate - reverent, even-tempered, and accepting all types of people. There's no room for prejudice when you're working for Jesus.

Clergy must have integrity, practicing what they preach. Since they're guiding others, they're expected to uphold high moral standards. One sign of being suited for ministry is easily befriending people. Observe how others relate to you. Do they seek you out for guidance? Do they confide in you, sharing concerns?

Pastor Brandon Cox, editor of Pastors.com, advises that candidates for ministry need to be teachable. You should always strive for self-improvement, learning from experience.

2. You have a fervent desire to serve God.

Do you find great joy in helping people? Are you moved to action by others' struggles? Are you driven to share your faith?

The most vibrant ministers have God's compassion directing their actions. Embodying the heart and mind of Jesus, they live to share His love. While the opportunity to serve God is possible in all vocations, it's the goal of Christian ministry.

In fact, being on fire for God, your zeal is unstoppable. It bubbles from within you like a gushing fountain. If you won't be fulfilled in any other profession, ministry is your destiny.

3. You've been told you're well-suited for ministry.

Do people recognize in you the gifts of the spirit? In 1 Corinthians 12:8-11, Paul talks about the Holy Spirit's endowments. Do people see you as knowledgeable and wise about spiritual matters? Have you been praised for having strong faith?

Perhaps you've had premonitions verified, the gift of prophecy. You may have a gift of healing, with words and actions that restore well-being. You may excel in Bible teaching, making God's Word come to life.

Take a moment to read Paul's words, and see if they apply to you. If other Christians see you as qualified, it's one of the signs that you're meant to enter the ministry.

4. God is flinging open the door of opportunity.

Is the Lord paving your way? Is He providing the finances for you to attend school? Is He giving you outlets to express your talents and gifts?

When God calls a person to ministry, He lays the groundwork. One stepping stone leads to the next. As your relationship with God deepens, He'll keep guiding you to your destiny.

Here's an example from the life of Reverend Michael Patton of Credo House Ministries. When he began exploring this vocation, he received much support from friends and family. Their encouragement gave him the confidence to assume Christian leadership roles. At work, he organized a Bible study. At church, he taught Sunday School. He oversaw the Student Union Bible study at his school.

Start with your local church, getting involved in its community and outreaches. Try them on for size. If they fit, keep moving forward. God's providence is one of the signs you're meant to enter the ministry. He's giving you the resources and experience you need.

5. You're spirit-filled.

You have the virtues described by Paul in Galatians 5:22-23 - patience, forbearance, faithfulness, goodness, gentleness, kindness, self-control, peace, joy, and love. You increasingly express these qualities through your life.

You seek to please God in every moment. Whether others see your actions or not, you're keenly aware that God does. You regularly read His Word and pray, remaining connected to the Lord who lives within you.

Strong Evidence

These are five signs pointing the way to working in ministry:

You possess the traits of a spiritual leader. You have a fervent desire to serve God. You've been told you're well-suited for this vocation. God is opening the doors of opportunity, grooming you and providing for your needs. Above all, you embody the gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Not everyone called to ministry has Samuel's experience, described in 1 Samuel 3:1-21. God's voice was clearly audible. This is one of the most overt signs you're meant to enter the ministry. Still, though you may not hear God speaking outwardly, at the core of your being, His message will be loud and clear.

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