In Christian circles, calling usually refers to a divine selection for ministry, typically being a pastor, missionary, evangelist, prophet, or apostle. Christians, who are not called to ministry, often speak of a vocational calling, which typically refers to caring or community-focused jobs, such as doctors, nurses, midwives, carers, teachers, charity workers, etc. It has become a shorthand that usually is not questioned or investigated. Therefore, I would like to offer some thought-provoking ideas.
The Bible should be our starting point, especially because ministry calling is, in most cases, extrapolated from the Bible.
It is interesting that, in the overwhelming majority of passages, “to be called” has the meaning of following and becoming like Jesus, such as: “And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ” (Rom 1:6). Rom 8:28-30 links being called to being justified (i.e., made right) and glorified (i.e., assured of eternal salvation). We are called to be His holy people in 1 Cor 1:2, we are called to faith in 1 Cor 7:22, and we are called to lead a holy life in Eph 4:1-6.
There is only one clear instance of what many equate to modern calling: “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them’” (Acts 13:2). Yet, the general meaning of calling has been superseded by this specific calling to ministry.
Granted, the notion of being called by God can keep you going when ministry is tough or has become so difficult that one is tempted to give up. At the same time, it can create pressure to explain when you received the Lord’s calling to a specific ministry. In the worst case, it can condemn you if you leave the ministry for very good reasons: “You are disobedient. You are letting God down. You are letting the church down.”
This is why I believe that the more frequent occurrences of calling as following Jesus should be highlighted. If we follow Jesus, we follow His commissions to make disciples and love God and our neighbor. If we consider this our calling, then the context can change, but my calling does not. For example, leaving a specific “mission field” does not alter my calling. This also helps with not elevating calling to ministry to a higher calling.
I am not sure that there is there such a thing as vocational calling. God has given us common sense, which makes us refuse jobs that would compromise our Christian values, and natural talents, which are usually developed through the educational system and lead to specific careers.
I prefer speaking of inner conviction, and I am fully aware that the shorthand “calling” will continue to be used extensively. But my hope is that this short article has provoked more nuanced thinking.
Dr. Jörg Strate
