By Bill Webb, Word&Way Editor
Growing up, we referred to it as “the call,” God’s tapping on the shoulder of individuals to give their lives in vocational Christian service. It is a term that is not easily put into words, but it is an experience that lends itself to vivid description.
A young person in some settings might almost see it as an experience to be avoided. Some ministers testify that they ran from the call, sometimes for 20 years or more, before God finally caught up with them and they, in turn, “surrendered” to be a vocational minister of the gospel.
The term was used two or three generations ago to refer primarily to those whom God had chosen for specific ministerial roles such as pastor, professional evangelist or preaching missionary — usually sealed with ordination.
While Baptists continue to hold the pastorate high, most have an expanded view of God’s leadership in the lives of His people. Today, a layperson is quick to identify an area of Christian service in which he is involved — paid or unpaid — as “my calling.” Talent and interest play a part in such commitments.
Since I was a youngster, we’ve given much more attention — properly, I believe — to the idea that while all are not vocational (or bivocational) pastors, all have been gifted by God to participate in His work and purposes for our world.
Sometimes, such giftedness in a person’s life is observed by others, who in turn help the “giftee” realize that God has indeed equipped him or her for a holy purpose.
George W. Truett was recognized early in life as an outstanding speaker and pulpit supplier, but he did not come to the call to pastoral ministry quickly or easily.
A native of North Carolina, Truett moved with his family to Whitewright, Texas, in 1889. Quickly the local Baptist church recognized his abilities and elected him Sunday School superintendent.
On several occasions, when the pastor was gone, Truett was asked to speak. He always stood in front of the pulpit rather than behind it, because he felt unworthy.
Many times he was urged to enter the ministry instead of continuing his training to become a lawyer. “I will speak for Christ, but I am not worthy to be His minister,” he responded each time.
Finally, the congregation called a special Saturday night meeting, where an old deacon made the motion that the church ordain Truett to the gospel ministry. The young man protested but the members pleaded, and he was forced to relent.
In Truett’s own words: “There I was, against a whole church, against a church profoundly moved. There was not a dry eye in the house…one of the supremely solemn hours in a church’s life. I was thrown into the stream, and just had to swim.”
The next day he was examined and ordained, and as a byproduct of that service, one of the worst men in the community was gloriously converted. Not long after that, First Baptist Church of Dallas called him as pastor, and he served there 47 years.
It would be hard to pigeonhole “the call,” because it may come dramatically or quietly to a believer. Or, as in the case of George Truett, it might come the long way around — through others.
The call of God rarely comes in a vacuum. Some congregations produce an inordinate number of vocational ministers. Likely that is because such churches and their leaders make young people and others aware of the need for ministers and even the joy of service. They try to help these members understand how God communicates His will in their lives.
Such churches tend to emphasize, too, that every member is a minister — not necessarily a vocational minister — but a minister nevertheless. Such congregations seek to help members discover their giftedness and seek to use those gifts faithfully.
Such churches create and leave exciting legacies as they work hand in hand with God.
The call to vocational service is unique, and it should be treated as such. But the call of all Christians cannot be ignored either. A call of God is not a matter of elevation for clergy or laity, but merely a call to service.
Truett exemplified true humility, a quality that ideally would describe everyone who responds to any call of God to service.
God’s call is hardly a unilateral proposition but a call for acceptance, preparation and action. Calling is an active word that is wasted without obedience.
