Article

HOW CONSCIOUS THE CALL?

If you can tell where you got the call of God and all about it, I question whether you have ever had a call. The call of God does not come like that; it is much more supernatural. The realization of it may come with a sudden thunderclap or with a gradual dawning, but in whatever way it comes, it comes with the undercurrent of the supernatural, something that cannot be put into words.

At any moment there may break the sudden consciousness of this incalculable, supernatural, surprising call that has taken hold of your life-“I have chosen you.” The call of God has nothing to do with salvation and sanctification. It is not because you are sanctified that you are therefore called to preach the gospel; the call to preach the gospel is infinitely different. Paul describes it as a necessity laid upon him.

“Woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” He had realized the call of God, and there was no competitor for his strength.

If you agree with God’s purpose, he will bring not only your conscious life, but all the deeper regions of your life which you cannot get at, into harmony.

-Oswald Chambers

Copyright © 1990 by the author or Christianity Today/Leadership Journal. Click here for reprint information on Leadership Journal.

Posted July 1, 1990

Also in this issue

The Leadership Journal archives contain over 35 years of issues. These archives contain a trove of pastoral wisdom, leadership skills, and encouragement for your calling.

THE JONAH SYNDROME

When misdirected zeal replaces holy ambition, we embark on a long obedience in the wrong direction.

SOME STROKES RUB THE WRONG WAY

How Do I Know I'm Called?

The writer of ‘Amazing Grace’ on discerning God’s call to the pastorate.

THE BACK PAGE

PASTORS AND THE PETER PRINCIPLE

Although we hate to admit incompetence, we don’t have to live in fear of it.

RE-CALLED BY GOD

WHEN YOUR WORK GOES UNNOTICED

THE PASTOR PARACHUTE

An interview with Richard Nelson Bolles

FROM THE EDITOR

WHO CARES FOR PASTORS?

THE MINISTRY OF MEDIATION

The fine art of getting people at odds to talk–productively.

To Illustrate

CALLED BY A CRY

WHEN YOU FEEL EMPTY

If you question your calling and competence, you’re not alone.

FINDING VOCATION IN DOWNWARD MOBILITY

READING FOR FUN AND PULPIT

Books that give both pleasure on Monday and ideas on Sunday.

THE CALL: IS MINISTRY A CAREER?

The way we view our task makes all the difference in the world–and in the church.

IDEAS THAT WORK

Rethinking the Evangelistic Sermon

In an age when TV evangelist has become a term of ridicule, is it possible to preach evangelistically and well?

THE GOLDEN YEARS OF MINISTRY

A Leadership Forum

PEOPLE IN PRINT

HOLY AMBITION OR WHOLLY AMBITIOUS?

When aspiration and pride mix, the result may yet be ministry.

How I Prepare Myself for Worship

Different froms of private prayer can make a difference in public worship.

TWO UNLIKELY SUCCESS STORIES

How to Minister Without Applause

God is gracious. Can I be content with that?

Contentment among the Christmas Trees

To Verify..

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