How do I know if I'm being called to be a pastor?

A pastoral calling is not as simple as having the right gifts, sufficient education, and an internal conviction. From one of our live Ask Ligonier events, Burk Parsons counsels young men not to enter the ministry without an external call from the elders of a local church.

#AskLigonier

[bogdanmoldovan]

This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
1 Timothy 3:1 KJV

[TitusRex]

Thanks for this. I went to seminary and was in full-time ministry for the last three years convinced that I was called. But a few months ago a pastor told me that I had a good heart and knowledge and good teaching gifts but that I should not be a pastor. At first I didn't want accept what he told me, but then I realized he was right, so I quit ministry and now I have a secular job. I still cooperate with the church but I now understand that I am not called to be a pastor.

[CR.]

I had many ways to be assured in my calling. But what you said towards the end is so true.

[RicTheStreetPreacher]

I’m entering ministry currently. My pastor said there are three things needed. A strong desire, the gifting, and the approval of the elders.

[impacttoinfinity]

God blessed me with oratory skills and outside in the secular public, people have approached me to give their lives to Jesus. Am I a pastor? Nope. Have I thought about being a pastor? Yup. Have people told me I should be a pastor? Yup. Did seasoned pastors suggest that I be a pastor? Nope. Was that the right choice? Yup. Why? Because I can share the gospel to a special segment of people who may not actually go to a church. Do I have peace about it? Absolutely. Can I still serve and love God with all my heart, soul, and strength? Yes and Amen. May God direct you to fulfill your calling on your life. We are pastors but not all of us deliver sermons every week. I can’t wait to do all that He has called me to do so that in the end, I can say “Praise be to God! What a ride!”

[marjieyoung]

Jeremiah 20:9-10

Then I said, “I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak anymore in His name.” But His word was in my heart like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not. For I heard many mocking: “Fear on every side!” “Report, ” they say, “and we will report it!” All my acquaintances watched for my stumbling, saying, “Perhaps he can be induced; Then we will prevail against him, And we will take our revenge on him.”

Perhaps there are many who become pastors because they seek the admiration of the congregation or they enjoy being the one with answers or being seen as close to God. But it is a servant's role and a serious one which should not be entered into lightly because pastors will give an account before God (James 3:1My brethren,  let not many of you become teachers,  knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.). Having a talent, skill, gift, or even a heart that's in the right place is no substitute for a calling from God. If you have that calling you will be like the prophet Jeremiah who could not keep his mouth closed.

[johnwarren]

Lets not forget the requirments founds in the Bible itself. The lettters to Timothy and Titus give such clear qualifications of such a role.

[allensagalla]

Yes, it is not just a matter of gifting, it is not just a matter of learning. It is a matter of calling. Thanks for uploading :-)

[amj]

Amen amen I love how he broke that down he answered my questions. Glory be God.

[josuesoto]

Thank you for posting this video! It helped me understand some questions and concerns that I had in my spirit regarding my calling in this world.

[johnwarren]

People need to read the book, "Biblical Eldership, an urgent call to restore biblical church leadership " by Alexander Strauch. You wont find any other source that brings such a precise and clear scriptural breakdown on the topic of elders/pastors. Please read it people.

[dayu]

can it be chinese?i am a christian in China, but my english is poor, but i am interesting of reformation, i had see some video about RC spoul and john MacArthur, beacuse have chinese title，if you can translate，it will help many many chinese christian, Thank you!

[thmountainvet]

Strongly disagree. I have seen excessive “cultural” bias and politics applied in churches over my 20 years of moving around with the Army. Some of our great Christian leaders of today would never have been lauded/ approved by some churches and elders. Go get after it. Learn and teach. The Lord will provide. Just have an open humble heart. I wish more Christians approached their faith from an educational perspective and learned the Bible in a wholistic way. We need more Christians on the street, as organizational Chaplains, in prisons, and just willing to teach to the people around them.

[bogomilkostov]

The most important thing to be a pastor is to be redeemed, born again. To love GOD, the word of GOD, to glorify Jesus Christ and to love His church.

[calirichard]

I'm crying as I listen to this because I'm called to be a preacher and everything he says makes complete sense to me even though I understand the difference between being a pastor and a preacher and he's talking about being a pastor

[williamsamuel]

What if you don't have a biblical church with biblically sound elders?

[petekosar]

He forgot to mention the holy spirit, he's the one that convinces us to do GOD'S will!!! The flesh is weak, but the SPIRIT is willing!!! But we can all agree it's good to have an Elder or better yet Elder's as mentors!!!

[BelieveOnlyJesus]

I think that MANY Reformed churches mistakenly conflate the office of Pastor and the office of the Evangelist. Do you have a heart for the lost and reach them with the Good News? Then you are an evangelist. Also, a Pastor is not someone who teaches but also is adept at counseling. I think the Church has an unbliblical understanding at what the true role of a pastor and an evangelist is. They are NOT THE SAME! There is widespread "pastor burnout" because we have made two roles which are biblical distinct into one.

[waldensmith]

I was actually running away from my calling to be a Pastor because I did not fully understand the voice and calling of God on my life. I struggled with this calling and God sent a Prophet whom I did not know to confirm in the Presence of my Sr Pastor and Elders I am called to be a Pastor . I did not want God to call me a 2nd time and then graduated from Bible College got ordained left and Pioneered a Church with my family who were very supportive for 25 years. We are in transition with the Pandemic for God to take me to the next level .

[soh]

This makes sense to me. James 3:1 says “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” There are so many unfit pastors leading the flock because they “felt” called. The heart is deceitful above all things. Who can know it?(Jer 17:9). Being confirmed by elders and pastors having witnessed the person’s ability to lead a flock is a sure sign of leadership. The bible is full of “eye witness” testimonies. I would personally prefer a pastor who has been affirmed by many other pastors for their leadership ability over credentials or history of family pastors. I personally believe they should get affirmation by 3 or more. More witnesses, the better. I don’t think this is being narrow minded at all. Being a pastor is a serious job and one that should not be taken lightly. The road to eternal life is already narrow. The call to pastoralship I would believe is also narrow.