Students urged to examine, obey God’s calling to ministry_92004

Posted: 9/17/04

Students urged to examine, obey God's calling to ministry

By Laura Cadena

Texas Baptist Communications

FORT WORTH–Vocational ministry demands a clear sense of calling, a willingness to prepare and tenacious obedience, Pastor Dennis Wiles told a Texas Baptist collegiate conference.

Wiles, pastor of First Baptist Church in Arlington, told participants at Focus–a conference sponsored by the Baptist General Convention of Texas–he did not want to be a pastor when he enrolled in seminary, and it took time for God's call to become clear to him.

“The calling of God is diverse, because we are diverse,” he said. “In the Bible, people's callings are different; and once you determine your calling, you need to be obedient to that calling.”

Wiles noted that “every (church) member is a minister. You don't have to be in full-time vocational ministry to be a minister. But I believe God singles out men and women to specific calls in the ministry.”

Gabriel Lawrence of West Texas A&M University takes notes during Focus.

In ministry, there are times when ministers feel alone, Wiles said. He urged students to rethink going into full-time vocational ministry if they can't be “tenacious” in their call, because vocational ministry is “difficult, yet it's wonderful.”

Wiles encouraged students who sense a calling into full-time ministry to embrace their unique gifts and find ways to develop their gifts.

Students who sense a call to ministry should get involved in the church body and use their gifts, he advised.

“Others in the church family often see something in you before you see it,” he said.

“The church is a dream team because everyone works differently. There is no one with less value because the calling of God is different for everyone.”

Wiles advised students preparing for ministry not to neglect their own spiritual nurturing.

Once in ministry, students should “pay attention to your core, conform to the will of God in your life, and take care of your core because the only person that can take care of your core is you.”

Ministry is not always easy, he noted.

“When you begin to face the challenges, remember you are a pilgrim on the journey,” Wiles said.

The church is full of people, and people can hurt their leaders, he acknowledged.

Challenges test a minister's character but passing those tests provides the confidence to face the next challenge, Wiles said. The most important aspect of ministry, he said, is to “live your commitment.”