Discerning Your Call to Ministry: How to Know For Sure and What to Do About It

by Jason K. Allen, R. Albert Mohler Jr. (Foreword)

“The church has needed this book for a long time.” — Russell Moore

If you are considering the ministry, there are two mistakes to avoid. The first is taking up a calling that isn’t yours. The second is neglecting one that is. Discerning Your Call to Ministry will help you know the difference. A tool for seminary students, pastors-in-training, and even current pastors, it serves to confirm or prompt deep thought about the calling to ministry through 10 probing questions,

Do you desire the ministry?Does your church affirm your calling? Do you love the people of God? Are you willing to surrender?Pastoral dropout rates are high, and seminary admission rates are declining—signs that many of us don’t quite know what we’re signing ourselves up for. Author Jason Allen, a former pastor and the president of North America’s fastest growing seminary, gives readers a better picture of the calling. Presenting a series of diagnostic questions informed by Scripture, church history, and his own experience, he helps those seeking ordination or ministry positions make confident decisions about their service to God, one way or the other.

Genres: Theology, Leadership, Christian, Church, Church Ministry, Spirituality, Religion

160 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 19, 2016

About the author

DR. JASON ALLEN is the fifth and youngest president of Midwestern Baptist Seminary. He has served as pastor and interim pastor of Southern Baptist churches in Alabama and Kentucky over the past fifteen years. He currently serves the church more broadly through writing and preaching ministries, including his own website www.jasonkallen.com, where he writes on various topics including higher education, theology, preaching, and cultural and local church issues. He and his wife, Karen, have five children: Anne-Marie, Caroline, William, Alden, and Elizabeth.

Reviews

[David J. Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember receiving an email earlier this year from a friend, asking me what I thought it meant to be "called to preach." Something quite strange struck me at that moment. I had been serving on staff at my church for years, and openly telling people I was called to ministry, and no one had actually asked what I meant by that.

Although many people in churches are quick to applaud and confirm an individual who senses a call to preach, it may be that very few of them have ever stopped to think what it is they are confirming. One of the reasons that this subject is not discussed in detail could be the level of emotion some have invested into it. When you try to pry into the issue, things can get messy, as questioning someone if he is sure about a call to preach can seem akin to calling his wife ugly.

Of course, we ought to be able to examine these things. If pastors have the privilege of explaining the Word of God (2 Timothy 2:15) and give account for how they handled their responsibilities (Hebrews 13:17) then it is of the utmost importance that individuals that sense a call to preach are examined.

But on what basis are they to be examined? Certainly, sincerity is not the only criteria. If someone was seeking baptism and membership, and their only conversion testimony was something like "God told me I am saved," would that suffice? Of course not! They need to be able to articulate the gospel and give credible evidence that their conversion experience matches up with the biblical standard.

In this book, Jason Allen reminds us that the Bible has a standard for called preachers, too. That standard, including the desire, the gifting, and the qualifications, is laid out in this book to make the reader see his call through the lenses of Scripture.

Some will read this book and no longer believe they are called. And unless our desire is to have pulpits filled with unfit occupants, we should see that as a good thing. Others will read this and walk away with more assurance than ever that God has made them (or is making them) preachers, because they have been convinced by the Scriptures.

This is a fantastic work that addresses an often confusing subject with rare clarity and biblical fidelity. I will purchase or recommend this book for friends when the topic comes up.

[Daniel Douglas · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had to stop reading this book where it says, "Women have no place in ministry." I will not finish this because of this terrible theology.

[Ben Hartman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, actually helped me decide that vocational ministry is not for me (at least right now!) I would recommend it to anyone contemplating a call to the pastorate. It is a short read, although I think I had it on my "currently reading" list for over a year because I stopped reading it after it helped me discover that vocational ministry was not my calling.

[Eric Durso · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get and give away.

[Amy Crawford · Rating 1 out of 5]

YIKES.

[Martijn Vsho · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure yet whether I am called to pastoral ministry. But Allen has given me a lot to think about to discern that calling. He focuses on 10 questions that help people discern their pastoral calling:

1. So you desire the ministry?
2. Does your character meet God's expectations?
3. Is your household in order?
4. Has God gifted you to preach and teach his word?
5. Does your church affirm your calling?
6. Do you love the people of God?
7. Are you passionate about the Gospel and the great commission?
8. Are you engaged in fruitful ministry?
9. Are you ready to defend the faith?
10. Are you willing to surrender?

I didn't always agree with Allen's arguments and theology and at times it did feel repetitive, but I did appreciate how thorough and how practical he was. For those who are considering pastoral ministry, this is a great book to get you thinking about what it means to be called to ministry and how to discern that calling.

[Landon Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical. Concise. Clear. Pastoral. Biblical. This is a great introduction and guide for anyone wrestling with a call to ministry, especially those considering pastoral ministry.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to discern the call to ministry.

[Talon Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. So many questions to think about and this really helps discern your call.

One thing I loved that he talked about is having a desire to do ministry is ok. So often when trying to discern being called to "the ministry" we feel that we are not supposed to desire it. So reassuring to know that we should desire it if we are called to "the ministry"!

Must read for anyone with that question on his/her mind weather being called to pastoral, missional, or just leadership in general!

[Jeanne Higgins · Rating 1 out of 5]

Complementarian crap

[Nathan Albright · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Note:  This book was provided free of charge by Moody Publishing.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.]

As someone who is active in serving and speaking in my local congregation, I am often interested in what other people have to say about the ministry in other religious traditions [1].  In this particular book, I found an example of a discussion about the ministry that was similar to the views of my own religious background and also significantly colored by the perspective of the author as a president of a notable religious seminary.  Although the author's boosterism about his seminary and the value of a seminary education in general made me smile indulgently, this book had a great deal of value to say about the distinction between ministry in various forms and the soul-searching process that goes on when someone feels as if they have something to give with regards to the ministry within their own religious tradition that honors both individual inclination as well as the importance of congregational and institutional encouragement of those inclinations.  As such, this is a book that provides valuable assistance in the reflection process that people go through when looking at their place within the body of Christ.

This short book of about 150 quarto-sized pages is organized in a series of ten questions.  The author begins by introducing his own journey as a minister and then asks a foundational question of what it means to be called to ministry, discussing the common responsibility of Christians to serve each other, the fact that some people (the author includes women among this) have gifts and opportunities to preach and teach, and that others (and here the author limits it to men) serve in the ministry for their livelihood.  After this discussion to set the groundwork of the author's perspective, there is a discussion of ten questions:  Do you desire the ministry?  Does your character meet God's expectations?  Is your household in order?  Has God gifted you to preach and teach His word?  Does your church affirm your calling?  Do you love the people of God?  Are you passionate about the Gospel and the Great Commission?  Are you engaged in fruitful ministry?  Are you ready to defend the faith?  Are you willing to surrender?  After these questions the author asks:  So are you called?  If the answer to the previous ten questions is yes, the answer is presumably a yes here.  At this point the author encourages the reader to spend several years at a seminary developing a knowledge in the Bible as well as biblical languages and then closes with the customary notes and acknowledgements.

Most of the questions the author asks are strongly biblical--the author references the pastoral epistles at length and depth and takes a generally sound look at the biblical demands on those who are called into the ministry, although some of the discussions are clearly cultural in terms of the particular tradition the author comes from.  The author shows awareness of variation between different religious backgrounds when it comes to the ministry and argues that an educated laity demands a learned ministry, an argument which I have no particular disagreement with.  This book, or others like it, are likely to be important elements in the soul searching of someone who desires to be an aid to the Kingdom of God in serving God's people in love and who is willing to ask themselves and answer some painful and personal questions about their own readiness for the task as well as the need for affirmation from the larger body and institutions which they serve.  This is certainly a worthwhile book to look at and despite the author's biased view in favor of seminaries, even those who are less sanguine about such institutions will find a great deal of worth here in terms of personal reflection about the question of spiritual vocation.

[1] See, for example:

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...

[Nate Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a niche category of individuals present within the church of those who are considering a career path into ministry. I say niche, because while not unique, they make up a small fraction of the church body. In my experience, these individuals are normally college age and who are approaching a transition in their lives, though there also exists more elder individuals who have felt an internal pressure. These are the individuals who are trying to discern whether they have been called by God’s for a noble purpose. Unfortunately, There are not many who can provide the answers to satisfy this internal discussion. In some circumstances, there isn’t an opportunistic ability to discuss with the few who have previously walked through these same questions. In Discerning Your Call into Ministry, Jason K. Allen uses his first-hand experience as a former pastor and now President of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, to guide the reader into an initial discussion with themselves to honestly consider whether or not they have been truly called.
Unlike other career decisions, the pastorate is not one we make alone nor is it something that we try out. It is indeed a calling that requires self-examination prior to pursuit. Of the many books that I have read regarding this topic, Allen’s book approaches the conversation more topically through ten questions. The writing is reflective of years of discussions and mentorship with individuals who have felt the call to the role and the questions are expounded on through personal stories and those of prominent pastors in church history. “Regrettably, many well-intentioned individuals have announced a call to ministry, and many well-intentioned churches have affirmed them, without truly knowing what they mean.” (18) Allen describes three categories, “Called to Minister,” “Called to Ministry,” and “Called to the Ministry.” These important categories alone could solve many headaches for those who have found themselves making difficult decisions without any appropriate counsel. Many churches themselves feel that the internal call supersedes everything else, thus pushing these candidates into a realm they were never called to.

The strength of this book is the simplicity of its call to discernment. In ten questions, Allen pushes the reader to assess the Biblical qualifications for the role through a look of one’s character, internal and external affirmation, and their resolve to defend the faith. Allen speaks plainly through personal stories and examples in church history while providing Scriptural basis. Additionally, his speech throughout never downgrades the layman into a second-class citizen status, but continues to promote that service to the church is an everyman action and that those who are called to shepherd are performing their function within the body. Never does Allen promote the pulpit higher than necessary nor does it relegate the position to something that anyone can do. The personal stories, as well as the provided Appendix, reflects a thousand conversations that Allen has engaged in throughout the years. The brevity and conciseness of which each line provides is indicative of a man who has performed the role of a pastor who then was called to transition into a different ministry.

In this review, weakness is a subjective statement and is primarily a yearning for more. However, the flaw of this book is that it is niche in those who are working on assessing their call and does not provide any assistance for those pastors who may be struggling in their ability to mentor. While it may have never been an intention of the book, the book does advocate for discussion between the candidate and the elders. In my own personal path, I have found that mentorship is lacking between the elders and the congregation for those who are looking at their own call. Many of who only push for those individuals to attend Seminary for training, removing the responsibility from the local church to raise their own. While I do not speak universally, as there are many churches that do not suffer from this, but I have found that a majority do not have any consideration for it. Therefore, it was disappointing to see that there was nothing for the growth of current pastors to engage in deliberate discussions.

Once again, this weakness was not really a weakness, but a characteristic that I have found in other books that was missing in this one. However, this has risen to be the primary literature that I recommend for anyone of all ages to read when questioning whether the path of ministry is for them. If the reader assesses the questions honestly, based on the short chapters, then many students would be able to save time and money and instead use those resources for the betterment of their local congregation or mission. Overall, this book is an encouragement who have discerned whether their call is for the pulpit or not.

[Shaun Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allen has given us a most outstanding, engaging, practical and useful book, especially if you feel called to full time paid ministry in Christ's service, and yet you feel a little bit unsure of taking the big leap. The book was pregnant with wise nuggets of truth and character piercing propositions/questions/thoughts that assisted in my evaluation and discerning of where I stood in reality.

And yet for a book that I feel is almost invaluable, it is truly a pity that I cannot give it the 6 stars (yep more than 5 stars!) it so truly deserves. But if perhaps you would find the read so much more enjoyable if your theological position (like Allen) is that of a partial Cessationist ("the office of apostle and prophet as reserved for the first century, ceasing to exist with the death of the apostles and the completion of the New Testament," p21), and an extreme Complementarian ("the office and function of the pastor/elder are biblically reserved for qualified men," p37).

For those who are curious, I too hold a partial Cessationist and a partial Complementarian view. However I found that I had to keep reminding myself to look above my horror (at Allen's lack of Eccumenicalism) and try to savour and digest the larger message he was attempting to convey. That was indeed quite a challenge and I so very much wished Allen did not alienate so many readers from the get go - in very first two chapters!

In my opinion, these are secondary theological issues, but after reading how Allen was inspired by Spurgeon's unwavering stance in the downgrade controversy (Chapter 9), I understood that he too was a man who stood by and would defend his convictions strongly - which necessitated that he did what he did - Allen would not have been at peace with himself if he did not pen down what he believed in. And for that, I respect his decision - an author who advocated complete inclusion of everyone and anyone would come up with a useless piece of literature with impotent advice. Nevertheless, I still affirm that the book would be of immense value even if you hold a Continuationist (that the office of the Apostle/Prophet, miracles and speaking of tongues have not ceased) or an Egalitarian (that women can take on any office, even the senior pastor role) position.

A title more theologically neutral - yet equally Scripturally faithful and perhaps even more inspirational- I would recommend would be Edmund Clowney's Called to the Ministry; these two titles would be great companions both distinct and overlapping fields of discussion. A quick search on amazon pulled up a handful of books on this same topic; I'll update this review again in future when I have evaluated a couple of the counterparts to find out the most useful.

I received this book from the Moody Publishers Newsroom program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

[Wesley Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who is currently enrolled in the Contenders Discipleship Initiative through Village Missions, and am exploring the Lord calling me from my current job into the mission field (specifically being a pastor), I sought out a book like this one to discern God's call into ministry. I am so thankful I found this book! Jason Allen has written a wonderful, practical, clear and concise summary of what to consider when a person is considering the ministry. Specifically, Allen provides 10 questions to discern this call from God.

This book was a great help to me as I try and process everything that has happened in my life recently. It really is confusing, somewhat daunting but exciting to try and understand some things that make you think you have been, "tapped on the shoulder by God, or [having the] Holy Spirit whisper[ing] to you and [asking you] to cancel out of your current gig and become a pastor?" (Bill Hybels, "Simplify", pg 105).

I appreciated his explanations of being "called to minister," "called to ministry," and "called TO the ministry" early on in the book. Allen also provides "off ramps" if a reader reads through a chapter, reflects and prays over it and the scripture provided and see that a call "TO the ministry" may not be where they are currently at in their life. Every chapter is well written, clearly laid out and backed by Scripture.

These two sentences really stood out later in the book:

"[The] person most likely called to ministry is the person already practicing it; and the one who is most likely to know God's blessing is the one already experiencing it. Often by the time you choose to enter the ministry, you realize you've already chosen it in countless aspirations and forms."

The last chapter is where it all comes together: "So, are you Called?". He restates the ten questions covered in the book. I would strongly suggest that the reader take a measured and 100% honest view of your life and who you are as a Christ-follower, while answering these questions. Then discuss them with your wife, open and honestly.

A final challenge is issued near the end of the book on the top of page 137 that is so clarifying and so refreshing honest, that it is worth the price of this affordable book.

This was an excellent guide for me and the scriptures provided will give me the needed guidance and wisdom to discern my call to be a pastor. To be continued!

[Daryl Watts]

I have read many books on being "called into the ministry," and except for one, I have found them all lacking. This was not "the one." There were some good things in the book, but they were hidden under unrelated stories, unsound thinking, and a general vagueness about the subject. But, as I mentioned above, most books on the subject are vague.

To temper this harsh evaluation, I will say that the book might be a decent read for a man who is wondering whether God might want him to take a church position. But, don't expect a clear definition of that call. If you are a woman considering a ministry position, please don't read it. It will either discourage or frustrate you. The author stipulates that the Bible precludes God using women in this way, but he doesn't adequately defend the point.

I have friends you have attended and taught at the author's school and I believe it is a great institution. Though I don't know the author at all, I believe he is a man of God and desires to help. Hopefully for you, he succeeds. For me, he didn't.

[Justin Dilliplane · Rating 5 out of 5]

When it comes to the ministry, perhaps no question is asked more than this: "Am I actually called to the ministry?" In this book, Jason Allen endeavors to answer this one difficult question with ten simple, Biblical questions.

As I read this book, I reflected on my own call that God has placed on my life. Each of these questions reflected what I believe God has called me to do: preach His Word as a vocational minister and evangelize the lost. This book confirmed what I believed, but also helped me to see that I can help those who may be struggling with this call themselves. It is something that I will be challenged to do. 5 stars out of 5.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for this review.

[John Dube · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allen offers 10 questions to help discern a person's call to ministry. I really like Allen's distinction between "called to minister," "called to ministry," and "called to the ministry" in the introduction. Allen argues that being called to the ministry is essentially "a call to the ministry of the Word." Furthermore, preaching is the distinguishing mark/gift of those called to the ministry. In this way, the concept of calling is a bit narrow. Allen does however do a terrific job avoiding some of the more subjective elements of calling with his 10 questions. Highly recommended for those who have a desire for vocational pastoral ministry, attending Seminary, or pursuing the office of elder.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Allen correctly places the calling into ministry within the bounds of the local church, involving the elders and congregation in affirming your call. This resource combats the all-to-often self-appointed, solitary experiential calling that many have claimed on their way to the churches highest calling. This is an excellent resource for churches to use in handing to ministerial candidates and those who feel that they are called to the ministry.

[Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t let the book’s size trick you into thinking this is anything but thorough. Jason K. Allen puts together a series of 10 questions that are sure to aid anyone asking the question, “Is God calling me to ministry?”

This book is something I wished I had read before entering ministry, as it would have helped me consider a few aspects I had not prior. I highly recommend this book to those who are considering ministry.

[Matthew Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little book to introduce the questions that you should ask if you feel the noble call of being a minister. I wouldn’t however call it an exhaustive book on the subject of ministry calling, however it does contain healthy advice which should prompt one to seek further admonishment from the local church rather than being a Lone Ranger.

[Vincent Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thus book is a great book, that was full of spiritual wisdom and scriptural insights. This book helped me see that I am not called to the ministry at this time, but I should seek to serve God in my future vocation. Service and ministry behind the pulpit are not the only ways we can serve God. It is the highest calling and it is why most people (including me) are not called to ministry.

[Mama · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate Allen's premise that a call to ministry should be considered with intentionality and gravity. I think his categories to consider make sense. I'm not sure I'm totally onboard with his unqualified pronouncement that “…God, in His unsearchable wisdom established the office of pastor/elder for qualified men only," but we can have that discussion! Overall, a well-written book.

[Brett Ricley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The call to ministry is very important and sometimes hard to discern. Allen's book is a very helpful guide that walks you through 10 key questions to help you diagnose and discern your ministry calling. Highly recommended for anyone wrestling with their potential calling into Christian service.

[Ben Sylvester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason K. Allen. What a beast. This book led me to assess and question many things in my life and in my faith. Loved the ten questions he asked, and loved the conclusion. Makes me want to attend his seminary as well.

[Zachary Wiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this to later give it to a student who is considering ministry. It did not disappoint!

For anyone who feels the Lord’s calling into ministry, this book states plainly and compassionately what is required in that calling.

[Kyle Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The President of MTBS gives great advice

For the longest time, I have felt God’s call on my life for pastoral ministry. This book is well crafted to stop people in their tracks and get them to think through God’s call.

[Isaac Erickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brief book for those considering Pastoral Ministry and whether or not it is truly for them. The questions and points raised are helpful categories, even if I disagreed with a few specific points within the chapters.

Would recommend for those considering whether the pastorate is for them.

[Peter Krol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully thorough, biblical investigation of the topic. Highly recommended.

[jacob van sickle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read with our college ministry residents. This is a great book for anyone considering ministry. It is very practical and balanced.

[Mike Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear cut. Provides ten questions to help you examine your calling.