The Call

The process of birthing a call to ministry is one I find intriguing. An unassailable truth, that is a starting point for me, is this that there is not one person for who it isn’t a reality - Everyone has a call to ministry – Ephesians 2:10

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

So we are not a factory production line job - we are an example of fine craftsmanship. We are designed to have a relationship with God – we are also designed for good works – we are designed for action with purpose – for ministry.

What I find compelling is Samuel's call to serve in a set apart way. And of course Samuel was not a pastor: he was a prophet! Some things I notice from Samuel 3:1-21

1. Samuel was already in ministry when God called

“The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli…” (verse 1)

A call to ministry will very often be associated with an insatiable desire to minister - so one test of calling is simply is there any ministry! Along with this comes fruit of ministry - again its a key qualification for ministry. If we are called in one sense or another than just trying to serve somewhere is an important next step – don’t wait around for someone to spot your talent - get serving. Its often from this process that the groundwork is laid as it was for Samuel.

2. God had to call Samuel more than once

“The Lord called Samuel a third time and Samuel got up..” (verse 8)

The process of call is part of preparation for ministry – for Samuel’s ministry as a prophet he needed to learn to hear the voice of God and to speak sometimes hard truths – what better preparation than to have to bear the news of Eli’s atonement. When you look around the scriptures there are all sorts of different calls, but all come from God:

o The Damascus Rd call – Paul wasn't looking for it, he was already pretty happy with his calling
o The Progressive call – perhaps the most common - for the thickies like me
o A Call from birth – Jeremiah 1:5 “Set apart from birth” – even Samuel: 1 Sam 1:11 “…if only you will look upon your servant’s misery and give him a son then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life.”
o The Church's call – confirmed by the church appointing you – Barnabas – starts off as a Christian who sells a piece of land and gives the momey to the apostles – subsequently we find Barnabas being appointed to a task at Antioch and then ultimately he is recruited by Paul
o The Open door Call – walking into a ministry opportunity and discovering fruitfulness

All sorts of calls, and so often we seem to need to hear it more than once! And for many they work in tandem.

3. Eli was the first to realise God was calling Samuel

“Then Eli realised that the Lord was calling the boy.” (verse 8)

The role of spiritual mentors is critical – leadership development is really just a specialised form of discipleship. Research shows the role of the spiritual mentor may be the single most important influence. It's important to look at what Eli didn’t do though – he didn’t “call” Samuel – God did - Eli simply pointed Samuel to the call.

4. Samuel gave the Lord permission to speak

“Then Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.”

Giving God permission to speak into your life is important - giving God permission to take your life, well thats a whole different deal. It may not be the career path your parents chose for you…or even what you would have chosen for yourself. And its an ongoing thing - the path to following a call is all part of the process - giving God permission to provide for you is part of walking that path and for me one of the most helpful confirmations.

Well just a few musing thoughts from me from Samuel's call - one of my favourite stories.