HEARING GOD’S CALL
It is quite normal for clergy and educators to have moments of discouragement that lead them to question God’s call in their lives. There are three aspects of sensing God’s call.
Does God continue to call me to this position? I may be discouraged or feel some pain, but I know that God does call people to difficult positions. Am I meant to stay here and respond to this situation with faithfulness?
Is God calling me to another position? Have I been called here to engage in a specific ministry and is that completed? Should I now look for the next phase of God’s call in my life?
Am I called to ministry at all? There can be two aspects to this question. Was my sense of God’s call a mistake? Or, was it legitimate but is now finished? Considering that your sense of call was a mistake from the beginning, can lead to a real faith crisis. It would be helpful to process that with someone you trust. Concluding that your call was legitimate but is now completed can leave you with a sense of satisfaction but also set you free to explore other paths in life.
ARE YOU CALLED TO MOVE?
Sometimes people will say to me “I haven’t filled out my PIF (Personal Information Form) because I’m not sure whether I’m ready to move yet. My suggestion is that filling out the PIF may help to clarify where you are.
Filling out the form does not commit one to moving. Sometimes as a person writes out their thoughts about their interests and intentions with respect to ministry, they discover that their current situation is where they should remain.
At other times, a person may not have a clear direction in mind, but having filled out the PIF, they receive a response that really excites them. It may open up new avenues in ministry that had not been previously considered. Also, if nothing comes along that interests you, that also may be a reason for re-evaluating your present situation. You are not betraying your present situation by opening up the possibility of alternate possibilities.
FIVE YEAR PROJECTION
There is another writing exercise that may also help you clarify your situation. Try to put into words what your ministry will look like five years from now if you stay in your current situation or if you respond to another opportunity. Be as honest as you can be with how either direction may affect you, your family, and your sense of satisfaction and integrity. All are valid parts for your consideration.
When you have written your five-year projections, share them with your spouse or significant other. His or her response is an important part of your reflection. First, s/he is significantly affected by such decisions and should be part of the process. Second, when you try to explain your thought process to another person, their perspective can help you process your own thinking. Ministry takes place in relationships, and your spouse or partner is part of who you are in ministry.
WE WILL CONTINUE SOME REFLECTIONS ON THE CALL IN THE NEXT SEVERAL BLOGS.
