¿Soy llamado?: Características indispensables del ministerio pastoral

by Dave Harvey

Muchas personas pueden tener las habilidades para liderar una iglesia, pero solo algunos son verdaderamente llamados. Dave Harvey ayuda a hombres que consideran el ministerio pastoral a ver el rol activo de Dios en el proceso de discernir su llamado. La Palabra de Dios ofrece un marco claro para evaluar el propio llamado, especialmente en el contexto de comunidad.  Harvey ofrece seis preguntas de diagnóstico para ayudar a posibles pastores en el proceso de su llamado, y lo que deberían estar haciendo si aun no están seguros. Ilustrado con historias personales e históricas, Harvey explora principios bíblicos y prácticos para determinar el llamado pastoral. En  los últimos veinticuatro años de ministerio, Harvey ha disfrutado ayudando a muchos hombres en su llamado al ministerio. Este libro te guiará en este importante proceso con sabiduría y confianza en la fidelidad de Dios para tu vida.

Many may have the skills to lead a church, but only some are called. Dave Harvey helps men considering pastoral ministry to see God’s active role in the process of discerning their calling. God’s Word offers a clear framework for evaluating one’s call, especially within the context of community. Harvey offers six diagnostic questions to help prospective pastors process their calling, and what they should be doing now if they aren’t sure. Illustrated with personal and historical stories, Harvey explores biblical and practical principles for determining the pastoral call. Over the past twenty-four years of ministry, Harvey has enjoyed assisting many men in discerning whether they are called into ministry. This book will guide you through that all-important process with wisdom and confidence in God’s faithfulness in your life.

Genres: Leadership, Theology, Christian, Church, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Christianity

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 31, 2012

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

Dave Harvey is senior pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (Glen Mills, PA), part of a family of churches called Sovereign Grace Ministries. He received his Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Care from Westminster Theological Seminary. Dave lives in West Chester, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Kimm, and their four children.

Reviews

[Camden Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ya ya let me hear it: “Camden is reading a book about pastoral ministry, wonder why?!?”

Well let me just tell you, I full endorse this book because as far as I know it has a 100% success rate!

Lol jk, back off, leave me alone

But here’s my favorite quote from the book, and it’s not even from the author, it’s from Charles Spurgeon that talks about God’s awesome power
“There will be somebody to carry on the work of the Lord, and so long as the work goes on, what matter who does it? God buried the workmen, but the devil himself cannot bury the work. The work is everlasting, though the workmen die. We pass away, as star by star grows dim; but the eternal light is never fading. God shall have the victory. His Son shall come in his glory. His Spirit shall be poured out among the people; and though it be neither this man, nor that, nor the other, God will find the man to world’s end who will carry on his cause and give Him glory.”

“The ultimate test of a called man is whether he desires the advancement of the gospel more than the advancement of his own ministry”
Also liked that one

Men, read this book. Not so you can procure a job in ministry but to establish yourself in the loving embrace of the Father who provides everlasting freedom and joy

[Ryan Gossett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!!!!! Dave Harvey writes this to anyone who thinks they are called to lead God's people in pastoral ministry. In part 1, he helps you in approaching the call. In part 2, he helps you diagnose the call, by examining your godliness, your home, your ability to preach, your ability to shepherd, your love for the lost, and the confirmation of members in the body. Then finally in Part 3, he gives you examples and suggestions on the question of "what's next?". And all the while, Harvey points it all back to the Savior of Christ! Part 2 was eye opening and convicting as I examined myself for this call. But it just made me want to read more so I can see what all I need to do to improve on all those things to pursue Christ more in order to preach his gospel and to Shepard his flock! Strongly recommend to anyone who thinks they are called to pastoral ministry! And there was a lot of Spurgeon quotes, lets go!!

[Enrique Oriolo · Rating 5 out of 5]

No tengo palabras para expresar la bendición que es este libro para todo aquel que siente el llamado de Dios a servirle. Las palabras seleccionadas, los temas tratados, la practicidad, las palabras de ánimo y consuelo, las advertencias, y las páginas cargadas de sabiduría bíblica son invaluables. Lo recomiendo enormemente. Debería ser un libro requerido para todos los que buscan servir al Señor como ministros de su iglesia. ¡Que privilegio ser llamado por Dios para pastorear su grey! Que el Príncipe de los Pastores nos añada gracia y mayor gracia para servirles fielmente hasta el último de nuestros alientos.

Gracias a Dios por libros así, y a Dave Harvey por haberlo escrito y a B&H por proporcionarlo en español.

[Ashton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Without a doubt, Dave Harvey loves Charles Spurgeon. Some of this book’s hardest mic drops aren’t from Harvey, they’re from Spurgeon. That’s not a bad thing, of course. It’s just a thing. And this book says a lot of things—all of which were helpful. Many of these things stemmed from personal or other stories from people, both renowned and practically unknown, who received a calling. All of the things he said, however, he said to men discerning a “calling” to ministry. (If you have qualms with the word “calling,” he succinctly outlines this as a threefold cord which “comes together in God’s providence to help the summons find its fulfillment” (166): an internal call, preparation and confirmation.)

From a 50,000-foot view, this book essentially asks six great questions (each of which is a chapter) to the one examining a potential calling:

Are you godly?
How’s your home?
Can you preach?
Can you shepherd?
Do you love the lost?
Who agrees?

“‘The greatest and hardest preparation is within’” (187), Harvey says, quoting Bridges. I haven’t lived much life yet, but I know at least the latter to be true of myself. In addition to this, ministry is a whole-life endeavor. As John Kitchen says, “The life you live in private determines the ministry you can have in public” (94). (And as Dave says: “A pastor makes it his aim to pursue godliness because his life is a vessel of the message he is called to preach” (79).)

The final chapter of this book was an exhortation on waiting well. This chapter was of particular encouragement to me, especially in the season of life I find myself in. I was reminded that “where I am in life today—no matter how far it is from where I think I should be—can never limit God’s ability to accomplish his will in my life” (195). In his providence, the Lord will do his work in his way in his perfect timing—to the praise of his glory.

I’ll end with the Spurgeon quote Harvey ended his book with:

“There will be somebody to carry on the work of the Lord; and so long as the work goes on, what matter who does it? God buries the workmen, but the devil himself cannot bury the work. The work is everlasting, though the workmen die. We pass away, as star by star grows dim; but the eternal light is never fading. God shall have the victory. His Son shall come in his glory. His Spirit shall be poured out among the people; and though it be neither this man, nor that, nor the other, God will find the man to the world’s end who will carry on his cause, and give him the glory” (200).

Amen.

This was another Isaiah Kirkley book (I had to mention him). He handed it to me and said, "Let this be the last one you read." I’m glad he handed it to me. I’m still on the fence of whether I’d recommend this book over Bobby Jamieson’s The Path to Being a Pastor: A Guide for the Aspiring, but it was nonetheless a great read. To honor Isaiah, and my brain, I think this will be the last book I read on the subject. (At least for now.)

[James Sturge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Espectacular

Este libro debería ser leído por todo varón de cualquier iglesia. La estructura del libro es espectacular porque va respondiendo todas las dudas que pudieses imaginar sobre el llamado al pastorado. A los miembros de la iglesia les da claridad sobre cómo observar a los candidatos. Lamentablemente, hoy en día tenemos a muchos cristianos que quizá tuvieron una buena intención, pero no estaban llamados al pastorado. Gracias a Dave, muchos varones podrían entender lo que significa realmente el llamado de Dios a pastorear su iglesia.

[Philip Mcduffie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dave Harvey has written a book about the call of a pastor that is very easy to read, yet very rich in content. Part two deals with diagnosing the call. This part was by far the most enjoyable! Harvey examines your godliness, your home, your ability to preach, your ability to shepherd, your love for the lost, and the confirmation of members in the body. This section was deeply convicting and led to self examination all the while stirring a fire deep inside that makes you look to the Chief Shepherd for council in how to faithfully lead HIS flock. Praise be to God for Jesus and His faithfulness in all He did and is doing. May pastors everywhere look to Christ.

[Rodrigo Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Se você almeja o ministério pastoral ou até mesmo se você já é um pastor ou presbítero servindo a igreja local recomendo a leitura desse livro. De forma bastante clara e objetiva o autor ajuda o leitor a identificar os requisitos necessários para o chamado usando as passagens bíblicas que tratam do assunto e além disso complementa com algumas histórias de grandes homens de Deus. Vale a pena a leitura.

[Martin Maquivar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harvey te guía por el camino de la ambición ministerial del pastorado, para descubrir si este llamado viene de la voz correcta (Dios) y además te ayuda a lidiar con el desánimo de no sentirte idóneo al recordar que si es una convocatoria de Dios tarde o temprano se efectuará.

[Kevin Hegeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, Christ-centred guidance on what evidences are necessary in a pastoral call. Harvey simultaneously instructs and gives practical advice: allowing his reader to both be informed and equipped. I would recommend to any who are considering ministry or are currently serving in the role of pastor. Helpful and wise.

[Flynn Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dave Harvey has written an excellent work for those who sense the call to shepherd the people of God. He has pinpointed key questions to ask of yourself to test and see if pastoral ministry is where God is calling you to serve, drawing extensively from Scriptural prescriptions as well as the lives of many pastors both past and present and doing it all with an incredibly engaging style.

[Hudson Christmas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful book that explains practically and simply the calling of pastoral ministry. Harvey is excellent about bringing easy to apply principles to the concept of determining whether or not you are called to serve as a pastor. He also manages to do it with a level of entertainment and wit that I found extremely refreshing and entertaining. I recommend this book to any believer. I personally found it helpful, even though I knew going into the book that I was not called to be a pastor.

[Shaun Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

The content is relatively engaging and he quotes from theologians like Sinclair Ferguson and Charles Spurgeon. Especially insightful and inspiring would be the small excerpt of the struggles/journey of a minister at the end of each chapter. Also great would be the recommendations for further reading, also found at the tail of the chapters. Harvey's illustrations are so-so, but not as gripping as Duane Elmer, Sherwood Lingenfelter or Dan Allender's. There is, however, a critical and unnecessary flaw in the book.

While I appreciated how concise and accessible the content was, I felt that it was a great pity that Harvey started the book by being divisive with his proclamation of complementarianism on Pg 19 "I believe the Bible clearly teaches that the call to pastoral ministry is only for Christian men." Well, that is his interpretation of what the bible says, and to claim that it is the clear teaching of Scripture is a bold but unfortunately misinformed assertion. To make such a definitive claim (on what to me is a non-dogma issue) leads me to be concerned about Harvey's submission to the authority of Scripture of whether he is making Scripture affirm his theological positions. Hence, I'd recommend Edmund Clowney's excellent title Called to Ministry (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...) instead for readers seeking direction on this topic.

I hope that Harvey would heed the advice of his fellow complementarian and bible scholar Thomas Scholar on this matter to “bend over backward to love those with whom we disagree, and to assure them that we hope and pray that God will bless their ministries, even though we believe that it is a mistake for women to take on a pastoral role.” (P85-86 from Women in the Church: An Analysis and Application of 1 Timothy 2:9-15 by Kostenberger and Schreiner, 2nd Edition, http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25...).

For readers wondering what this matter is about, the most helpful title on Women in Ministry would be Zondervan's 2005 Counterpoints title Two Views on Women in Ministry (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...). I affirm the co-editor's position on this doctrine; Craig Blomberg “modified hierarchicalism” makes a full egalitarian argument with the exception of the senior pastor role being reserved for males only (p326). I also uphold Craig Keener’s advice to “give the ‘benefit of the doubt’ to who claim that God called them and who evidence that call in their lives, rather than passing judgment on them.” (p113 from Paul, Women & Wives: Marriage and Women's Ministry in the Letters of Paul).

[G. A. Dietrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so far the best book I've read this year and certainly the best book I've ever read on discerning a call to ministry. While reading this book I couldn't help but to think Dave was writing directly at me all the way though. He has helped solidify many questions I've had about how the church helps affirm a call. This book is well written, laced with Harvey humor, and points to the Savior all the way though.

Thank you Dave for your labor of love. Having observed you serving in SGM over the years it is clear that what you have written is not simply ink on a page but a reflection of God's grace in your life.

[Ben Duncan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent book for helping a man discover if he is called to pastoral ministry. However, it is fairly basic and relies upon older, more established works - i.e., Bridges' Christian Ministry.

[Manaury Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

El llamado es más una convocatoria hacia alguien (Dios), que hacía algo. Así que, aún cuando algunos hombres tendrán el privilegio y la responsabilidad de dirigir la iglesia, todos los creyentes somos llamados a participar de la comunión con nuestro Dios. Este es el más grande privilegio que podremos tener jamás y lo que debe definir nuestra identidad. Pero en cuanto a los que son llamados a ser pastores, se debe entender que es en el contexto de la iglesia local que este llamado florece. Es bajo la dirección del Espíritu Santo, la supervisión de los ancianos y el reconocimiento del cuerpo de Cristo que el carácter y los dones son descubiertos, examinados y pulidos. Y en ese sentido, nuestro buen Dios no ha dejado a Su iglesia a ciegas, hay ciertas cualidades de carácter (piadoso, fiel administrador de su casa, amor por los perdidos) y ciertos dones (predicar y pastorear) que evidencian este depósito de gracia en la vida de aquellos a los que Él ha llamado a pastorear. Todo esto forma parte del diseño de Dios para proteger a la iglesia de las ambiciones de hombres inadecuados que buscan su propio provecho. Pero también protege al hombre al no dejarlo a expensas de su propio juicio, sino que le provee la sabiduría de otros hombres piadosos con más experiencia que él.

El argumento del pastor Harvey se fundamenta en las escrituras. No trata de “reinventar la rueda” ni mucho menos teoriza sobre experiencias subjetivas acerca del llamado, más bien se centra en los requisitos para el obispado expuestos en 1 Timoteo 3 y Tito 1 como la evidencia objetiva de que el Llamador está obrando en la vida de un hombre. Otra fortaleza a destacar es el lugar en el que coloca la gracia de Dios en todo este proceso. Él escribe: “El llamado de Dios al hombre conlleva la gracia necesaria para la piedad necesaria...la obra de Dios precede cualquier llamado” Esto es alentador porque nos libra del legalismo de pretender ganar por nosotros mismos los méritos para obtener la posición. Cuando la verdad es que cualquier grado de capacidad para el ministerio se debe totalmente a la multiforme gracia que Dios ha repartido entre Su pueblo. Pero quizás el aporte más valioso de este libro es la centralidad de la iglesia local. Su perspectiva acerca de la relación de la misma con el entrenamiento teológico de sus futuros líderes es invaluable. Cito: “Es curioso que los evangélicos tomemos hombres que están dentro de la iglesia, para luego sacarlos fuera de la iglesia y mandarlos de nuevo a la iglesia a ministrar para la iglesia.” Esta no es la postura más popular, pero es la más bíblica.

Me gustó la forma en la que el pastor Harvey buscó hablarle a todo el mundo. Se enfocó naturalmente en el receptor del llamado, pero tiene palabras para los pastores experimentados, para la iglesia, para aquellos que por la ausencia del carácter y los dones, evidentemente no han sido llamados, incluso le habla a aquellos que después de probar el ministerio, descubrieron que no fueron convocados a la tarea. También me resultó fascinante el reconocimiento que hace de ciertos siervos de Cristo al final de cada capítulo. Estos hombres pastorearon fielmente en sus respectivas iglesias locales por décadas y sus vidas son un verdadero estímulo para aquellos que están siendo convocados por el gran Pastor de las ovejas.

[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. Before tackling this book by Pastor Harvey, I read "Discerning Your Call to Ministry: How to Know for Sure and What to Do about It," Jason K. Allen (also a 5 star book; see my review on Goodreads).

Reading these two books in succession was very helpful to me as I am trying to discerning this quiet call into ministry from the Lord. Like Allen, Pastor Harvey does an excellent job of walking the reader through questions one must honestly ask oneself as they try and figure out a possible call to be a pastor. I appreciated his honestly and straightforward guidance and wisdom in his own experience. He did a great job unpacking the Scripture that one must read, pray over and reflect on while seeking wisdom from one's pastor(s) and other Godly men regarding one's possible call. I also liked the short stories at the end of each chapter regarding men who sought to figure our their call to the pulpit....very inspiring and worth reflecting on! These were men after God's own heart!

Near the end of the book, Pastor Harvey notes this:

"If you're truly called, the gulf between your present situation and the full launching into your calling WILL eventually be crossed. I've tried in these pages to give you ways to extend that bridge, but only God can determine the timing of your passage. Until then . . . love God. Serve others. Study the gospel. Invest in your local church. Grow in grace. Trust God's timing. And leave the rest to God."

This book is a wonderful resource I will return to again and again in the months and years ahead as I seek God's will and His call. Well done, Pastor Harvey!

[Nathalie Alcime · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is insightful and challenges your perspective on what “calling” is. I appreciated how the author explains the difference between calling (vocation) and calling (in relationship to Christ). Technically, we are all called to be in relationship with God through Jesus and then God shows us where he wants us to be in each season. I also appreciated the practical advices he gave that helped an individual called to Pastoral Care to do. While we wait for God to confirm, we also should be engaging in the church and growing as a person and leader. Often, some people assume they need a divine answer to so God’s work. But, it’s not always like that. Sometimes God calls like he did to Moses in the burning bush, while other times it could be the Holy Spirit impressing our hearts to do something. Whatever it is, it’s important as leaders to be seeking and doing simultaneously.

While this book was strictly for Pastor’s, it definitely can extended to those that are in other spiritual offices and/or believers as a whole. Even though some aren’t Pastors, it’s still useful to apply.

What I didn’t like about it was that it was strictly directed to men and pastors. Sometimes, this perspective can place a limit to what God can do in others, no matter gender or race. While I disagree with his view on men only being pastors or having that pastoral care, his other points throughout the book seem fair and practical. I would recommend this book!

[Joshua Riding · Rating 4 out of 5]

My pastor recommended this book to me because I mentioned to him that I’d been exploring a call to pastoring over the last few years, and he even paid and had it shipped to me, which was incredibly kind of him. Unfortunately I not longer am in his church (I moved shortly after the conversation where he recommended it to me), but I still very much wanted to read this because I know that this call is something I wanted to be certain of, and to take very seriously.

Dave Harvey knew who he was writing to and what he would be writing about when he wrote this book. He wrote it to the men that weren’t sure, that thought they were sure, and even completely certain that God was calling them to pastor or plant a church. His intent wasn’t skepticism or pessimism, but simply wanted to put light to the calling of those who pick up his book, and that being the light of the Word and also of the wisdom of pastors in generations past.

He executes this amazingly. I’m simultaneously humbled while also being even more certain and clearer on my calling. I’d recommend this book to anyone and everyone that is considering full-time pastoring. His homework assignments, pondering questions, and encouragements are incredibly helpful for examining oneself and also for developing one’s call and growing in maturity toward that call.

[Danny Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harvey is a good storyteller and he is well versed in the texts about the qualifications of elders. However, you can definitely tell he does not mull over each sentence he writes. (see John Piper) So what you get is a well thought out, conversational book which tells you what you need to know. It isn't academic and it isn't even that deep, and I think that's intentional. Harvey doesn't want you to plumb the depths of his book, he wants you to plumb the depths of your own soul.

As you read this book, you may discover some things you don't like about yourself, and that is good. Work on those things. But Harvey does a good job toeing the line between saying that the qualifications are aspirational and saying the qualifications have to be completely mastered. In a world that says you can be anything you want, Harvey confronts you with the truth that maybe an elder is not one of those things, at least not until you have the character that points you to the call. We do not earn eldership, but the gift of eldership is confirmed by our character, how we treat others, especially our families. And that's a scary thing.

[Jehiel Ortiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este fue un libro interesante. El acercamiento que hace el autor es bueno, pues lo hace desde la experiencia no solo personal, sino de personas conocidas y desconocidas.

Algo que me gusta es la intención del autor de hacerte pensar y reflexionar sobre el llamado pastoral.

El autor es amoroso y claro y directo, es decir es honesto y sincero. Eso ayuda porque en la posición que debe estar quien está leyendo este libro, es de querer saber o por lo menos ser orientado en el área del llamado pastoral.

La razón por la que leí este libro fue por un entrenamiento que estoy tomando. No se si lo hubiese leído de manera personal o directa.

¿Por qué 4 estrellas? Creo que el autor es un poco repetitivo. Hay varios capítulos innecesarios, que bien pudieron ser parte de otro capítulo. También que hay una sobre ejemplificación para mí gusto.

Ya sea que estés en ese proceso o no, esta puede ser una lectura que puedes considerar.

[Erick Torres · Rating 4 out of 5]

¿Soy llamado? Desglosa las características necesarias a cumplir por quien aspira al ministerio pastoral. Comienza desarrollando la premisa de que el llamado lo hace Dios, lo hace para su gloria y primeramente hacia si mismo, así que la identidad de quien es llamado debe estar en Cristo y no en el ministerio. “Nuestro llamado más importante es nuestra relación con Dios, no nuestro intelecto, cualidades o dones” (37).
En la segunda parte aborda cada capítulo con una pregunta cuyo propósito es llevar al lector a evaluar si cumple con las características bíblicas para ser un pastor y de este modo diagnosticar si el llamado es real o no. Y en la tercera parte invita al lector a ser paciente y prepararse mientras espera considerando la pregunta ¿Y si no soy llamado? Entonces debe recordar: El llamado sigue siendo primeramente Cristo y se puede servir al Señor de otros modos.

[Mike Chitwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seeking to become a pastor or minister is confusing. Every group has a different way of vetting those who believe they’ve been called to serve others. Different denominations have different requirements and each church offers a variety of methods. Depending on the type of church you belong the process can be easy or difficult. But, what does the Bible say about a ministerial call? Author Dave Harvey offers some principles he bases on scripture in his book Am I Called? to help men of all ages decide if they are called to pastor.

Written from a reformed perspective, Harvey discusses various elements to determine if one is called to pastor. He believes ministry is a calling and not just another career someone pursues. This is important because with the calling comes certain gifts needed to effectively carry out the duties of a pastor. Some of these gifts are an ability to preach, being able to shepherd and love people, loving the lost, having godly character both personally and with one’s family, and more. Each of these are skills are needed for the Gospel ministry, and they serve as a personal affirmation along with the external confirmations others give for one’s call. The uses of these validations are important because one should know God has called for His purposes and not for their own benefit.

Sadly, within some Christian circles and laity, the ministry can become more about the people involved than proclaiming the glory of God. When this happens a minister turns into a career professional, which is opposite from the idea of a sacred servant. As a result, Harvey is wise to use the Bible as the standard to interpret one’s ministerial qualifications. This is because God called ministers should point others to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and not themselves.

Harvey is right to biblically define pastoral ministry by using the qualifications in 1 Timothy 2 and Titus 1. In fact, he writes, “Too often, when a man’s character hasn’t stood the test, he remains in ministry by simply rewriting the test.” In other words, there must be an objective standard. If one is called to Christian ministry then it would reason their qualifications would agree with scripture. Therefore, a man’s personal life, his family, how he speaks, and more should be examined because the higher his character is the better one will listen to him about the Gospel.

The next strength of Am I Called? is where Harvey takes time to define the Gospel. He defines it as,

“The gospel—the good news of Jesus Christ—is the instrument by which God issues his effective call to us and brings us into new life and union with Christ by grace (Eph. 2:5). It’s a call out of something: the bondage and blindness of sin. And it’s a call into something: renewed fellowship with the God who created us.”

Simply the Gospel is, God graciously calling people from sinful death to life through faith in Jesus Christ. Notice who is doing the work; it’s God who calls and not anyone else. This is true of salvation and it’s true for one called into Gospel ministry. Then by understanding the Gospel correctly one can better discern if God is calling them to pastor, and when they understand the Gospel they will pastor well. As a result, Harvey offers his best advice here by connecting the Gospel to pastoral ministry.

There are many more exceptional benefits one can learn from Am I Called? However, it’s important to list two objections to Harvey’s viewpoint.

First, Harvey limits his view of a call to roles directly connected with being a pastor. This is because he strongly believes in the connection between a love for the local church and a pastoral position. The problem with his approach is; how does this relate to other vocational ministry positions? Positions such as a Chaplain, Youth Minister, a Christian Counselor, and others are left without a means to discern their calls. His oversight is unnecessary because these positions also support the local church, which he greatly values.

Second, how do women discern their call into ministry? Sure, some will support the role of a pastor for only men and that’s a debate for another place. But, Harvey centers this entire book on men and pastoral ministry, but there are other places of ministry besides pastoring. These are places where even the most conservative Christians would allow women to serve. So again, Harvey could have included a chapter for one to discern other ministerial positions.

Despite this drawback there is a simple solution. All one must do is use Harvey’s principles for the call to pastor and apply them to other areas of Christian vocation. There will be components that do not completely match with other areas of ministry, but the concepts of the Gospel, character, affirmation, and others can be applied to other areas of ministry.

Having read this book twice and considered the areas of disagreement, Am I Called? by Dave Harvey is highly recommended to anyone considering entering the ministry. It’s a book that is written with intentional grace to aid anyone who is trying to decide if God has called them to ministry, especially pastoral ministry. Also, for anyone already in ministry the last chapter is a great tool to use should one ever need to reconsider or reaffirm their call to ministry. Even the parts one disagrees with are of value because those chapters will challenge the reader to test their life and call in response to those areas. Therefore, read and study Am I Called? because unlike God’s call to ministry, a book’s value is what you make of it.

(I received this book through the Crossway Review program “Beyond the Page” in exchange for an honest review of the book.)

[Omri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was excellent! Much of it, I eagerly commend with only a few exceptions. Harvey’s love for the local church is incredibly refreshing. It’s clear that he gets God’s design to bind a man to the local church for the good of that congregation. He calls his young, eager readers to slow down and humble themselves and be content in waiting on God’s timing for ministry while quietly serving His people in unseen ways.
The primary area, in my opinion, that lessens the quality of Harvey’s wise articulation of pastoral ministry is the overly-humorous, sometimes juvenile tone of the writing. In a work that is clearly written to prepare young men for the weighty responsibility of pastoral ministry, I believe that the levity in Harvey’s tone detracted at times from the gravity of his content.

[Natanael Castro · Rating 5 out of 5]

A question every Christian man should wrestle with...

"Lord, I want to serve you, truly. Showing up at church is not enough. Doing what we're all suppose to be doing is not enough. I know there is more!"

What now? Is that a call?
How do I know if I should pursue the office of a pastor,
missionary, or church planter; or just settle with _____？

This book addresses some serious questions about the calling that, sadly, are not usually discussed in Christian circles, and, more specifically, the local church.
Some really important considerations about your character, your gifting, and your intentions behind your desires for "the office."
I'd really encourage you to consider reading it if you're wresting with the tough, which you actually should...

[Connor Longaphie · Rating 2 out of 5]

One of the things that bothered me most about this book was the overly casual writing style. Perhaps Dave Harvey speaks that way all the time, but for a book, I would have appreciated a much more formal style. Another issue I had was the amount of stories that I found to be only slightly relevant or sometimes just unnecessary. However, some of the stories were brief biographical sections about men of the faith from history that were good. What Harvey says in this book is 100% true, but because of my issue with his delivery, I would instead recommend R.L. Dabney on the topic of the call to the ministry which can be found in the 2nd volume of discussions of R.L. Dabney

[Chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the best books I have read. Dave Harvey does an excellent job of going through what it looks like to be called by God into Pastoral Ministry. Dave uses Scripture as the foundation for the entire book about the calling to Pastoral Ministry. He mainly uses the the qualifications for elders found in the Pastoral Epistles. For those who think they may be called to pastoral ministry or even for those already serving in the pastoral ministry this book is both encouraging and challenging. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to read it!

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little book especially for those debating their call into pastoral ministry and church planting. It was simple but powerful. Very Biblically-based with great little stories from faithful pastoral figures. The only disagreement I had with the book was his emphasis on preaching, and while I believe a person should be able to teach based on Scripture, I do not agree with how attractive a preacher they must be as described by Harvey.

Great book and I would recommend it to anyone considering ministry or wrestling with what it means to be called into it by God.

[Coalición por el Evangelio]

La labor de Dave Harvey en «¿Soy llamado?» es excelente. Este libro aborda prácticamente todos los temas relevantes para alguien que no está seguro de si debería ser pastor o no, erradicando cualquier rastro de temor que exista en cuanto al llamado al ministerio. También es útil para aquellos que están seguros de su llamado, al ofrecer guías prácticas para su formación pensando en los retos que han de afrontar al frente de la iglesia de Dios.

Lee la reseña completa en Coalición por el Evangelio.

[Bradford Combs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an astonishing book! I have always been intrigued by the calling on pastors' lives and have wondered a time or two if perhaps I should have gone down that route myself. This book really lays out how to recognize if God has called you into the ministry, how to go about that process, and even what to do if the book leads you to understand you aren't called. I would 100% without question recommend this book to anyone wondering if they've been called, to anyone who knows they've been called, and to anyone who simply wants to learn more about the subject matter.

[Christian De La Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a must read. The book covers important topics such as the nature of pastoral ministry, the qualifications of a pastor, and the role of the pastor in the community. The writing is clear and easy to understand, making it accessible to readers of all backgrounds. This book is a valuable resource that can provide guidance and direction to those who are discerning a call to pastoral ministry. I highly recommend it.