Am I Called?

Every now and then I pick up a book that crystalizes my prayers, Bible reading, and questions that swirl around in my head and heart.  Am I Called? by Dave Harvey was one of these books which I read in 2012. It's a quick read but forces the reader to ask profound questions about himself and ministry. Harvey paints a realistic picture of pastoral ministry and the type of person it takes to fulfill the labors that accompany ministry. He says;

"The man called to ministry is not some kind of super-Christian who lives by a higher code. Nope, he's just a called man with gifts that enable him to lead God's people and with a grace that empowers him to be an example."

This simple but profound statement acknowledges that a person called to ministry is no greater a person than any other Christian who ministers in the marketplace, or is a missionary somewhere in Turkmenistan. It is a calling, and like every calling God desires humble obedience so that we can expedience His joy in the calling. Of course, the function of ministry requires a specific desire, skill-set, and vision. But God meets pastors where they are at and molds them along the way with the Gospel. God also gave us 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 to show us the characteristics of a pastor.

At least one other quote catches me. "To be a pastor is to be a self-acknowledged sinner representing a holy God." This idea alone keeps the pastor humble and gracious. It's a glorious activity to look inward first before looking out at all the "problems," "frustrations," and joys involved with pastoral ministry. The idea of looking inward means first looking to God for refinement and change. Only then can the widow, orphan, and all the other needs be rightly ministered to.