The word “calling” is one of those terms used in the Church that might be ambiguous to many. Often, we think of those great servants who sell their possessions and move half way across the globe to minister to unreached people groups, risking their lives for the sake of the Gospel. This word might also bring to mind those “called” into professional ministry as a pastor or youth minister. Over the years I have come to understand my calling in a broader sense, which then informs the specific calling God has given me in serving his Church. A number of authors, texts, and individuals close to me have helped shape my view of calling, but there is one passage in particular that best captures this for me. In his insightful, albeit controversial book “Love Wins”, Rob Bell spends a fair amount of time discussing God’s work in human history and the ultimate goal of restoration which will culminate with Christ’s return. He argues that just as the Kingdom of Heaven has come to invade and transform our reality, Hell also invades our lives and the lives of those around us in ways that leave us…show more content… Pastors are often called upon to do so much in their communities and their congregations that they simply cannot sustain their ministry over the long term. Such patterns are not healthy for these leaders or for the Body as a whole. So many lay members have untapped and underutilized passions and gifts that would go a long way in the Kingdom of God. Therefore, it is the role of a pastor, “…To prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God…” (Eph. 4:12-13). Truly sustainable and loving ministry happens when all members of the Body of Christ feel empowered and equipped to exercise their unique abilities in ways that edify those around
