Call to Pastor

Module 1-Lecture 1

Pastor (poimēn) Eph 4:11

minister of a church

Poimēn also means shepherd

(i.e., Mark 6:34;

Heb 13:20; 1 Pet 2:25)

Pastor

The pastorship holds great responsibility.

To ponder… Why do you feel called to pastor?

What motivates you to pastor?

Call to Pastor

Topical Overview

.Meaning

.Motives.Discernment

.Key Points

What is the meaning of call?

The word call has 22 different meanings in the New Testament.

The call (klētos, Grk.), as it relates to pastor, concerns itself with divine election or commission to individuals for special vocation (i.e., apostleship--Rom 1:1)

Meaning

Foundational Verses“Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, “(Rom 1:1 KJV).

“Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God,” (1 Cor 1:1)

Call to Pastor

God’s commission

for office (Rom 1:1; 1

Cor 1:1)

“Through the will of God” (1

Cor 1:1)

Invitation from God’s

Spirit (1 Cor 1:1)

Set apart for the Gospel (Rom 1:1)

“God is at work in the world today seeking and saving those who are lost.

God’s call is a divine invitation from God Himself to join Him in that work in an

official, lifetime work”(Delphos First Assembly of God)

What are the right motives?

Motives

Wrong MotivesInward thoughts and reasons behind

“Motives are inward thoughts and reasons behind the words we say and the behaviors

that we do.”

(Dan Walker, Life Church St. Louis, 2010).

Right Motives Wrong MotivesDesiring a good work (1 Tim 3:1)

Desire to cause discontent (1 Tim 6:3) Depraved in mind and bereft of truth (6:5)

Right Motives Wrong MotivesDesiring a good work (1 Tim 3:1)

Desire to cause discontent (1 Tim 6:3) Depraved in mind and bereft of truth (6:5)

Willingness to be “ministers of Christ, stewards of the mysteries of God” & “found faithful” (1 Cor 4:1-2)

Have a corrupt mind and wicked heart (6:5); love of money (6:10)

Right Motives Wrong MotivesDesiring a good work (1 Tim 3:1)

Desire to cause discontent (1 Tim 6:3) Depraved in mind and bereft of truth (6:5)

Willingness to be “ministers of Christ, stewards of the mysteries of God” & “found faithful” (1 Cor 4:1-2)

Have a corrupt mind and wicked heart (6:5); love of money (6:10)

Wanting to be a good servant of Christ, nourished on the words of faith & sound teaching, trained in godliness (1 Tim 4:6-7)

Don’t desire sound doctrine, but controversies about unimportant and unsubstantial matters (6:4); disagree with teaching on godliness (6:3)

How do you know you’re called?

Discernment

Confirmation helps you discern the call to pastor.

First and foremost, remember that God calls you to pastor through His Spirit.

He will confirm your call directly to you or speak through other people or experiences.

Voice of God speaks

directly to you or

through others and

experiences(Luke 6:13, Rom 1:1)

Confirmations to discern the call…

Godly counsel

(Prov 1:5; 19:20; 1 Tim

3:1 )

Voice of God speaks

directly to you or

through others and

experiences(Luke 6:13, Rom 1:1)

Confirmations to discern the call…

Strong and continuing passion; a sense of urgency

(Rom 12:2; 1 Cor 9:16)

Godly counsel

(Prov 1:5; 19:20; 1 Tim

3:1 )

Voice of God speaks

directly to you or

through others and

experiences(Luke 6:13, Rom 1:1)

Confirmations to discern the call…

Strong and continuing passion; a sense of urgency

(Rom 12:2; 1 Cor 9:16)

Godly counsel

(Prov 1:5; 19:20; 1 Tim 3:1 )

Voice of God speaks

directly to you or

through others and

experiences(Luke 6:13, Rom 1:1)

Evidence of spiritual gifting

(1 Cor 12:1-11;

Eph 4:11-12)

Confirmations to discern the call…

What are the summary points?

Key Summary Points

Meaning

•The call (klētos, Gr.) to pastor is a divine commission from the Holy Spirit.

Motives

•Right motives for accepting the call to pastor influence inward thoughts, which in turn, impact proper words & behaviors.

Discern

•Discern the call to pastor. Carefully listen for the voice of God to confirm the call.

“A shepherd in the Near East was responsible for

watching out for enemies trying to attack the sheep, defending the sheep from

attackers, healing the wounded and sick sheep, finding and saving lost or

trapped sheep, loving them, and sharing their lives and to earn their

trust” (BLB, 2012).Photo Credit: Did You Know.....?? - Matavuvale Network

Photo Credit: Pastor Robert-Nikos.Blogspot

References

Blue Letter Bible. (2012). “Shepherd.” BLB Lexicon. Retrieved on December 29, 2012, from http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G4166&t=KJV

Eaton, Dan. (2011). “Pastors – God Called & Church Called.” Delphos First Assembly of God. Retrieved on December 28, 2012, from http://delphosfirstassemblyofgod.com/pastors-blog/pastors-god-called-church-called/

Mohler, Albert. (2008). “Has God Called You? Discerning the Call to Preach. “ Crosswalk.com. Retrieved on December 28, 2012, from http://www.crosswalk.com/church/pastors-or-leadership/has-god-called-you-discerning-the-call-to-preach-11568212.html

Stauffer, Claude. (2001). “Are You Called To Be A Pastor?” Calvary Chapel of Hope. Retrieved on December 28, 2012, from http://www.calvarychapelofhope.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=74:are-you-called-to-be-a-pastor&catid=12:topical-studies

Walker, Dan. (2010). “Why Motives are important.” Life church St. Louis. Retrieved December 28. 2012, from http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2010/10/why-motives-are-important.htm

Information:Deb Strlek (debbiestrlek@msn.com)

http://allnationsleadershipinstitute.org