My thought is that we do not emphasize enough the sense of call that has drawn us into the ministry. In the next couple of days I want to suggest some ways that the presbytery might affirm and lift up that sense of call.
The first idea is sort of in the form of a game but it’s intention is to lift up the sense of call, connect it to our roots in Scripture, and remind ourselves that it was never meant to be an easy life but it is worth the devotion.
Divide the gathered meeting into four sections and tell them you want them to share in an affirmation of God’s call and our shared biblical roots.
For the first round, you will ask anyone in the first section to stand and share in a no more than a couple of sentences the effect that it has on a person to feel that they have had a call from God to enter the ministry. They might say such things as it gives a person a feeling of importance, dignity, worth, etc.
Then turn to the second group, and ask someone from that group to stand and describe one of the challenges that anyone who accepts God’s call may face. They may suggest such things as moderate salary, grumbling people, discouragement, etc.
The third group is to have someone name a biblical figure who received God’s call.
The fourth group is to recall that biblical figure and describe one of the challenges that that figure faced.
Then switch groups and begin with group #2 and repeat the process.
After four rounds, close with a prayer of thanksgiving for the experience of call and strength to face the challenges.
The result should be a reminder of our experience of call and a connection with the biblical roots of our ancestors.
