Does God Still “Call”
Men and Women?
Written by Kevin A. Hall (11.28.2016)
The missionary call still exists. In fact, it comes in
varied forms to different people. I would describe the “call” as God prodding a
person to complete a specific duty or task for him. This call comes in many
ways, as God Himself is unpredictable. One would say that a “call” is
personalized by God, even though it may be fulfilling the same task or duty as
another would. Moreau (160) better describes it as “guidance” from God. For
some people, this prodding to do may come in the form of a dream, a revelation,
a vision, “an undeniable tug on the heart to be involved in a certain part of
the world or with a certain people or in a certain type of role”. It
is a feeling that is almost impossible to let go; once that will not dissipate
until the act is fulfilled; one in which the individual finds fulfillment when
engaging in the act/duty.
There are 4 types of calls seen in scripture:
(1) The call
to Salvation, (2) The call to Discipleship or Holiness, (3) The call to full –
time Ministry, (4) The call to a specific Assignment or Task. Calling in the
Bible involves a “growing conviction that you ought to be involved in God’s
work” (Mor. 164). The call to salvation involves coming into a relationship
through Jesus Christ. The call to discipleship involves executing the mission
to teach believers to obey the teachings of Jesus, a commitment to becoming
imitators of Christ. The call to full-time ministry is a chosen path for some
who give most of their time to the work of Christ. Some are “sent”, being
supported by others, while others work on the side to support the ministry and
their families. The call to a specific task or assignment involves a commitment
to a task or duty that may be temporary, limited or long term. For some, it may
a commitment for a season, then it’s over. For others, it may be a lifelong
commitment. It may also be a call to fulfill one task regardless of size, or
assume one role regardless of perceived significance, that contributes to God’s
mission plan.
Then there are times when God will place a burden on a
person’s heart for a particular people or place. As explained earlier, it is a
tug that never leaves you and I truly believe the assignment is custom made,
regardless of how inadequate a person my feel. It is something that you may
dream about, think about often, and have special thoughts whenever you come
into contact with this “place or people”. I know what that feeling is like
because I know that I have been called to do ministry. The feeling is clearer
now that I am getting older. In response to the call, I decided to get prepared
for the task ahead. In the meantime, there is a certain amount of Joy that
comes with getting prepared to execute the task ahead. There are three things I
love to do that I feel are connected – reading, writing and teaching. I feel
fulfilled when I am engaged in these activities and I see the difference when I
use these gifts to help others. I have had a few “confirmations” that this is
God’s leading, but I take comfort in seeing life changes when my witness is
effective. How about you? Are you pursuing the call of God on your life?
The Mission Of The Ones Sent
Wright, 164
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Together, let’s embrace God’s call to a dying world.
References:
Moreau, C. Introducing World Missions. Baker Academic (2004)
Wright, C. The
Mission of God’s People. Zondervan (2010)
Art from Google search. Retrieved from: crcconline.org
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