Now That I'm Called: A Guide for Women Discerning a Call to Ministry

by Kristen Padilla

As a woman in the church, it's difficult to know what it means to say "I'm called to ministry." Whether you have been wrestling with that calling for years or are just starting to ask what it means, Now That I'm Called will provide you with guidance and direction on your journey. Perhaps you are feeling the Holy Spirit leading you toward vocational ministry but are unsure of what that means or if you are hearing the voice of the Lord correctly. This book will help you answer these questions and serve as a guide as you walk down this new and unfamiliar path.
Author Kristen Padilla answers questions
Each chapter ends with further questions, exercises, assignments, and stories of real women doing vocational ministry. This is a book that will prepare you for a lifetime of vocational service to God. You will walk away with a biblical understanding of ministerial calling and a robust view of women in gospel ministry, as well as practical tools to help you pursue God's call for your life.

Genres: Womens, Theology

208 pages, Paperback

Published June 12, 2018

About the author

Kristen Padilla is the marketing and communications director for Beeson Divinity School of Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, where she also received her MDiv degree in 2008. In her role at Beeson, Kristen serves as producer of the school's weekly podcast and is editor of the school's magazine and chapel devotional booklets.

Kristen is a Southern girl who was born and raised in Texas and Arkansas, respectively. She felt a calling from God very early on to give her life to him in service to his church, but she was uncertain as to what that meant given her context. Her dad was a Southern Baptist pastor of mostly small, rural churches, and the only women Kristen had heard of in ministry were Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong, both of whom were dead. Still, God pursued Kristen, and, like Jeremiah and Paul, she could not not speak about God's Word. His call on her life was relentless.

After graduating from seminary, Kristen began a blog, wrote Bible studies for the Woman's Missionary Union, contributed articles to The Alabama Baptist newspaper, spoke at retreats (including a retreat for Ouachita Baptist University's young women called to ministry), mentored young women called to ministry, and started teaching regularly at her church, The Cathedral Church of the Advent. God has faithfully opened doors for Kristen to teach his Word.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kristen Padilla may have achieved the impossible with Now That I’m Called.

It is difficult to write a book on women being called to ministry without playing into the obvious conflicts surrounding ordination and eldership, namely: are these roles women are allowed to pursue or not? Given the clear and direct language of scripture, I’ve concluded these roles are reserved for men. I’ve accepted those boundaries as an opportunity to be creative. Given that the most obvious role is not available to me, what other opportunities should I seek out?

Padilla has joined a denomination in which ordination would be a possibility for her, a possibility she is considering. So we’ve come to different conclusions on this big and important question. But her purpose in writing this book is to show women that “receiving this kind of call does not mean that they must hold a church office” because the gifts of the Spirit “can be exercised outside of a particular office in the church.” Though she doesn’t discount the possibility of ordination or vocational ministry, Padilla nonetheless has written a helpful guide for women pursuing ministry opportunities that will appeal to readers no matter where they stand on women’s ordination.

It may seem strange to recommend this book given that I don’t agree with her position on ordination and I’m not sure I agree with how narrowly she defines “calling.” Now That I’m Called presumes that some of us are uniquely called to leadership roles in ministry (whether that means teaching the whole church or teaching women and children). I find the concept of “calling” to be misleading. Does God speak directly to some women, hand-selecting us like he did with Jeremiah and Paul? Or is it more accurate to say that some women simply feel a desire to teach and lead as they grow in maturity? I know I’ve never heard a clear calling; I simply recognized a desire to learn and to share what I was learning. I prayed for opportunities and kept my focus on learning and growing.I’d also want to press back on her premise, which equates modern-day callings with the very specific way that God called prophets and apostles throughout scripture. Padilla says “God will not leave the shepherding of his church and the spreading of his mission to ‘chance,’ to whomever aspires to it or volunteers” but I disagree. Aspiring to be used in ministry is a noble thing (2 Timothy 3:1) and does not require that we are given a hand-picked assignment.

However, Padilla is right to recognize that one of the ways false teaching slips into a church is through women’s ministry “because churches are not hiring called, biblically learned women to teach the women of the church.” I agree wholeheartedly that churches should not neglect or outsource the training of women in their church. Women are vital members of the body and they have unique and important ministry opportunities that require robust theology. Too often, women’s Bible studies are pre-packaged and imported without a second glance. Padilla encourages churches to intentionally train their women, and encourages women to pursue training for the benefit of their local church body.

At the end of each chapter, Padilla profiles a woman who felt called to ministry. At the end of the chapter titled “Does the Bible Restrict the Callings of Women?” Tish Harrison Warren, an ordained minister in the Anglican church, offers this advice: “Don’t go into ministry to make some kind of statement about women in ministry… Only go into ministry if you love people and serving the church and the gospel and (mostly) if you sense a call to ministry that’s been affirmed by close friends and community. There is a great need for women to be in ministry, especially women who really love the church…Women desperately need other trained and theologically rooted women who are spiritual authorities in their lives and in the church.” These words serve to reinforce what Padilla emphasized throughout the chapter: “You do not have to be a senior pastor or preach where men are present to have a call to Word-based ministry.” Statements like this underscore my belief that this book will be a helpful tool to women on both sides of the ordination debate, even for women like me who have concluded that women ought not seek ordination.

Padilla persistently turns our eyes back to the needs of those around us, reminding us that all kinds of people need shepherds including women, youth, children, the dying, the sick, orphans, the disabled, and “the broken, abused, lost and forgotten.” She encourages women to proclaim the gospel in creative ways, adapting their call to meet the needs of their congregation while still fitting within the framework of their denomination. She champions women’s education, reminding readers that “your teaching will be limited by the knowledge you do and do not have.” Padilla thinks many more women should seek seminary training as both “a gift from God and an offering to God.”

If I could add a word to Padilla’s encouragement, I would tell women: Start where you are. Set an example with your service and your diligent study. No opportunities are beneath you. You don’t have to wait for any specific calling. You’ve already received the call to which you’ve responded in faith. Now take up the prayer of 2 Thessalonians 1:11 that “God will make you worthy of his calling,and by his power fulfill your every desire to do good and your work produced by faith.”

[Ryan Linkous · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really wonderful resource for women considering a call to ministry and for pastors who want to nurture and support women's calling to ministry. Kristen spends considerable time exploring the biblical notion of "calling" in the Old and New Testaments and notes the ministries we witness women serving in Scripture.

The second half is full of practical considerations (Training, education, mentorship) to help women prepare for the vocation of ministry.

Each chapter concludes with a brief profile of different women's calls and vocations in ministry.

This isn't a book that tries to settle the "women in ministry" debate once and for all although Kristen discusses the issues involved. It is a more practical and thoughtful guide on "how to."

[Christy Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a timely and important read for any woman considering whether or not God is calling her to Christian ministry! Kristen writes as though she is having a conversation with you as the reader and is constantly directing the focus and attention back to Scripture and its truths.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ I would say, though, that I am not exactly the target audience for this book. While I am a "woman discerning a call to ministry," this book was written more towards women who desire to enter church ministry, and the last two chapters in particular are geared toward high school or college students. I also wish she had gone into more detail about the variety of ministry options available to women. Her focus remained narrow throughout the book, and the chapter on seminary made it sound like higher education was a requirement to enter vocational ministry. However, there are ways for women to gain a theological education without getting an MDiv.

Nonetheless, I greatly enjoyed the first six chapters. They were infused with Scripture and evenly presented different interpretations to controversial issues with grace. The author's views definitely land on the egalitarian side, but she makes the point that women in pastoral roles is not an "essential" doctrine (and I agree). Even though I am a complementarian and did not agree with all of her conclusions, I appreciated learning more about the egalitarian view. I found her exposition of Scripture, her personal insights, and her exhortation to be enlightening and encouraging.

In terms of the writing, it read kind of like an academic essay in tone and style. Also, it was not thoroughly proofed. There were multiple mistakes, including a wrong Scripture reference, extra words, and confusing/awkward wording.

[Alecia]

One of the most encouraging books I’ve read that spoke so specifically to women called into vocational ministry. The book does not concern itself with “complementarian vs. egalitarian” sides, though it does address both. Instead, the author focuses on what the two can share in common and what it means to be called, the real obstacles women who are called to vocational ministry face, examples from Scripture and modern life (but not “Christian celebrities”) of women who were called and followed. Felt like I was sitting with a mentor giving me so much encouragement and practical counsel. ❤️

[Michelle Rabon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Informative but I don’t agree with the interpretations given. It has a very egalitarian leaning even if she was trying to write from an unbiased view. I appreciate the callings within the Old and New Testament and even the call of women in Scripture as well. However, I do think it is a bit hasty to cast aside created order completely.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to read this book, because I am a woman who God has called to ministry. When I first received my call, I did not know of any books to help me understand or prepare for a call to ministry. There also was a lack of guidance from the majority of Christian leaders I had contact with. Because of this, I strongly value the purpose of this book. Second, I long for theologically strong books written with women in mind. Typically books written for women are at best devotional and at worst focused on an emotional response. While spiritual formation and devotional material is absolutely necessary, theological instruction for Christian women is just as necessary. This was what I hoped to find in this book.
These expectations were more than met! This book is not only well written to be easily understood, but it is also noticeably deliberate in its structure. It seems Kristen has thought of everything a young woman might need while beginning to understand a call to ministry! It is theological without ignoring the spiritual aspects of ministry. It has real life examples, testimonies, and advice at the end of each chapter. It takes you on a journey from understanding a call to ministry to preparing for it and living it.
I especially appreciate her respect for and encouragement of each denomination's traditions. While being a book for women in ministry, the book does not join in or focus on the current debates between complementarians and egalitarians. Rather, her focus is on allowing Scripture to speak for itself through exegesis. People on both sides of this debate can read the book without feelings criticized or pressured.
I found this book incredibly affirming without simply telling me what I wanted to hear. It offered support and guidance I longed for years ago but could not find. I continually found myself nodding along or internally yelling "Amen" as she described her own calling and journey to serve the Lord.
I believe this book will be beneficial to male and female believers in a variety of contexts. First, it offers a glimpse of the struggles all people face in ministry and especially offers a look at the struggles specific to women called to ministry. These struggles might not otherwise be noticeable to our brothers in the Church. Second, it offers a sense of community and support. The majority of people I come into contact with in vocational ministry are men. I am not discouraged or bitter because of this; however, this does sometimes add a sense of loneliness. This book shows women they are not alone in their confusion or unsureness. The God who called us also goes with us, and he has surrounded us with strong, God-loving women to lead, follow, and journey with us. I am eternally thankful Kristen is one of these women and submitted to God's call to write this book.

[Jessie Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so needed! It gives live. It gives hope. It encourages, guides and counsels. The author speaks from her personal experience and refers to scripture in everything. She begins with stories of Old Testament greats: Moses, Joshua, David and Jeremiah. She proves that God is the one who calls them and carries them through the calling. Just like these men our callings are from the Lord and they are big God sized callings that we need his help to accomplish. The author is so gracious and exhorts with love. At the end of each chapter you will find reflection questions, discussion questions, personal exercises and ministry spotlights. These things are designed to help the reader evaluate their own life and be encouraged by the testimonies of others. The calling of women in the old and new testaments is covered as well as spiritual gifts and the need for seminary/bible school. There is also a section on mentoring and other ways of gaining experience. And the book ends with a section asking the question “is God calling you?” This book is excellent. You’ll want to read it slow and allow yourself the time to journal the questions provided. Spend time in prayer and listening to the Lord for guidance.
I received a copy of this book as a member of the author’s launch team. I was under no compulsion to write a review. All opinions stated here are my own.

[Emily P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read for a woman seeking to discern their call to ministry. Such a great resource, with concrete examples of what it looks like to be in ministry. There are stories at the end of each chapter of women who have found their calling and gone after it, in many different ways. I have so many notes and things to process over..I am sure that I will re read this very soon. It is long overdue for a book like this that speaks specifically to women seeking their specific call to ministry from God. I wish this resource was available years earlier for friends of mine who had such a tough time navigating what has been, for the most part, a male focused profession. Well done, with lots of advice, encouragement and support, this is a valuable resource.

I received an ARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own. I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to read this book!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is encouraging for women who feel called to a ‘speaking/teaching/writing’ ministry. Padilla shares stories and scriptural passages from the Word to explain her views. She does not disrespect the Word or viewpoints that lean heavily on scriptures that are interpreted to keep women silent in churches. She also shares her story, along with that of others, who have attended seminary and are now in ministry. The only part I would like to see expanded were the women’s stories. All that were shared included were all seemingly similar paths to ministry in churches: young adulthood, seminary, ministry of some sort. While I do believe this was purposeful due to the themes of the book, I would love to read more about women in ministry whose paths were not the same clear cut path as all of these ladies were.

[Lindsay Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for all women seeking out their calling in life. Kristen Padilla does an amazing job of taking us back to the scriptures and it's contexts, and opening our eyes to see how it relates to us today in modern times using both Biblical characters and real modern day women. She beautifully scripts a story that perfectly balances the differing views held among the many denominations, and shows how all people, men and women, are called to be trained in the Bible and all have a calling of God on their life. I would highly recommend this book.
I have read the first 5 chapters of this book. I was was given this book to read and review. These opinions given are my own opinion and thoughts.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as a pastor because I was hoping to find a resource I could given women who feel called to ministry. This book perfectly met my expectations. The book gives a lot of great guidance for women who are wrestling through any stage of what their calling could look like. I was really impressed by the chapters that just examined how God calls individuals in the Old and New Testament. She rightly emphasizes that a call to ministry involves so much more than just being a senior pastor. She really handles some difficult terrain well and points everything back to Scripture. I think that even staunch complementarians need to read this book and would be blessed by it. I highly recommend this book to any woman who feels a call to ministry and to any pastor who hopes to serve women.

[Leslie Leicher · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read for a woman discerning her call to ministry, a new call to ministry or mentoring a young woman discerning her call. Oftentimes Christian books written for women by women are lighthearted, to say the least, with the author using slang terms and casual conversation to make her point. There’s nothing wrong with that but it’s like reading Max Lucado instead of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Both are wonderful in their own right at appropriate times. Kristen Padilla lays out an intellectual response to God’s call of women in the ministry of the word (preaching, teaching, shepherding, pastoring).

[Ashlie Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been thoroughly encouraged by Kristen and her perspective on women in minister and women who are investigating what it is to be called to ministry. I found the message in this book incredibly timely as women in ministry is most definitely being spoke about, and this book shares vital information for those who are interested in this topic. Kristen truly uses the Word of God as she discusses a woman’s calling and this book has been thoroughly prayed over and researched. I appreciate an author who goes to the Word before her own personal thoughts!

[Michelle Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an incredible book! Kristen does a wonderful job of sharing her heart through her experiences and then takes you through scripture to show you truth that you can stand on. This isn't a quick how-to book, it is Kristen leading you and showing you what she has learned and that you don't have to feel alone in this journey. I love the spotlight inserts where she actually gets insight from other women in ministry and what it looks like for them. I highly recommend reading Kristen's book. It feels like your sitting down to talk to a friend.

[Lauren Gatch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful example of how we as Christian women are called to follow Christ. She gives different examples of how this calling of Jesus will play out in our walk with him. I love how the book reads. You don’t have to have a theologically trained mind to understand the depth of what the author is conveying through her writings. I feel comforted, more understood and less alone after reading this book. The author is very honest yet also gives great insight and hope in these complex issues facing women in ministry today. A must read!

[Dyana Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A helpful and inspirational book for women considering or committed to gospel ministry

I really enjoyed reading this book. Padilla offers thoughtful insights and biblical application to a topic that challenges the church and women called to ministry. She avoids dogmatism or angry discourse. Instead, she offers the theological grounding for women to pursue gospel ministry and practical strategies for moving forward in whatever context a woman serves.

[Bible Gateway · Rating 5 out of 5]

What does it mean to be called to ministry? What does the Bible say about men and women in ministry? Who are the examples in the Bible of being called to ministry? What are the practical tools to help you pursue God’s call for your life?

Bible Gateway interviewed Kristen Padilla (@kristenpadilla) about her book, Now That I’m Called: A Guide for Women Discerning a Call to Ministry (Zondervan, 2018). Read our interview with Kristen here: https://bit.ly/2QWZtgC

[Dana Remisovsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the book, I liked how the women of the bible were written about and their ministries detailed. Some might find the chapter on getting a theological degree a little discouraging if that's not something you can or want to do. If you're called into the ministry, there are many ways to get spiritually schooled and trained. But overall, I enjoyed the book.

[Donielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kristen Padilla's Now That I'm Called: A Guide for Women in Ministry is rooted in the Word and branches into sound application. It is is practical, educational, and encouraging-- a fantastic read for ANYONE in ministry. This is also a great read for anyone who would like to spend time reevaluating the role of women in the church.
As a woman called to ministry, this book is invaluable.

[Jenna Prince · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a worthwhile read for someone who has already done their own digging in Scripture about this topic. While I would draw stronger lines than the author, she did provide a lot of thought provoking points. I could have done without the final two chapters, but I wasn’t reading this truly as “a guide.”

[Amanda Griffin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am giving this book to a high school student, and for that I think it will work well. For me, it just wasn't enough. I wanted there to be more in-depth study over the complicated issues. Even the stories of modern women felt middle of the road. I get that this is a controversial issue, but I'm past the point in my life for riding the fence.

[Greer Rutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super practical for any woman who is questioning their place in their call to ministry! Provides evidences and Scriptural examples of women called by God to serve and also tips and pointers for how to move forward in the call INCLUDING the importance of theological education and mentorship. I'm ever so grateful for the woman/mentor who recommended this for me!

[Rose Hale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I've ever given a five star review but it has definitely earned that rating. This book was a desire in the authors heart for ten years and I'm so thankful that Kristen Padilla was obedient to her calling and shared her knowledge with us.

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the book is intended for women feeling called to vocational ministry, I still found it very encouraging and timely. I still have a lot of questions. But there was a reminder of the importance of prayer throughout. So, I will continue to seek God and serve God wherever He puts me.

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a gift from a friend. It was an interesting dive into what discernment looks like biblically and today. It accomplished its stated goals and was well-written. I'd recommend it to women that are just beginning their discernment journey.

[Fontana Arnaud · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the practical and Biblical nature of this book.

I do feel like there were so many disclaimers about women “not needing to be called to be Lead Pastors” but being okay to pastor Women and Kids made it seem like the author didn’t fully believe in Women in all ministry.

[Jennifer Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazingly helpful book for anyone contemplating wether God is calling them to full time ministry.

[Keatyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for any women considering ministry. Lots of great theological information and advice.

[Sean Dickard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for any girl/woman looking to go into ministry. Kristen Padilla is encouraging and thoughtful, and she does a good job of keeping the focus of ministry on Christ. Excellent book!