Relevant Life

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If there’s one question that echoes through the heart of almost every believer, it’s this:

“Lord… what am I called to do?”

I’ve served in nearly every ministry role you can imagine—children’s pastor, youth pastor, pastor, short‑term missionary, evangelist, and more. And even after all of that, the question still lingered.

Not because God is unclear…

But because we often are.

Let’s clear the noise and return to what Jesus actually said.

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The Western Confusion About Calling

“Jesus never defined calling by titles.

He defined calling by following Him.”

Somewhere along the way, Western Christianity unintentionally distorted the idea of calling.

If you’re spiritually growing, you must be:

• A pastor
• A missionary
• An evangelist
• Or hold some kind of ministry title

And if not, then maybe you’re:

• A deacon
• A door greeter
• A Sunday school teacher
• A parking lot attendant

But none of these roles define calling.

Jesus does.

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What Jesus Actually Said About Calling

1. Calling Begins With Following — Matthew 4:19

“And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” — Matthew 4:19

Your calling doesn’t begin with a ministry position.

It begins with a Person.

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2. Calling Requires Surrender — Luke 9:23

“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” — Luke 9:23

“Calling isn’t about climbing a ministry ladder.

It’s about daily obedience.”

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3. Calling Includes the Great Commission — Matthew 28:18–20

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” — Matthew 28:18–20

Jesus didn’t give the Great Commission to a select group of elite leaders.

He gave it to disciples.

If you’re in Christ, that includes you.

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What About Gifts? What About Roles?

Scripture gives clarity on how we function within the body—but it never ties your identity to a title.

1 Corinthians 12:4–7

“Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.

And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” — 1 Corinthians 12:4–7

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Romans 12:4–8

“For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:

So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us…

Whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity;

He that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.” — Romans 12:4–8

“Your calling is not your title.

Your calling is expressed through your gifts.”

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What Scripture Doesn’t Say

This part may challenge some people.

“Scripture does not say pastors run the church.”

• Pastors (shepherds) cared for people.
• Elders led the church.
• Bishops/overseers guided elders.

You see this clearly in Acts, Titus, 1 Timothy, and 1 Peter.

Somewhere along the way, we shifted the structure—sometimes innocently, sometimes intentionally—to fit Western church models.

Maybe if elders led biblically, we wouldn’t see so many fallen megachurch pastors.

But that’s a conversation for another day.

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So… What Is My Calling?

Here’s the simple, biblical answer:

1. Be a Disciple of Jesus

Follow Him.

Deny yourself.

Take up your cross.

Walk in obedience.

2. Fulfill the Great Commission

Make disciples.

Pray for people.

Lay hands on the sick.

Share the gospel.

Live the gospel.

3. Use Your Gifts in the Body

Whether your gift is:

• Leadership
• Encouragement
• Teaching
• Serving
• Giving
• Mercy
• Hospitality
• Helps
• Administration

Use it.

4. Don’t Get Caught Up in Titles

“Your identity is not pastor, missionary, or evangelist.

Your identity is disciple, child of God, ambassador of Christ.”

5. Don’t Compare Your Gift to Someone Else’s

God gave you your gift.

God placed you in the body.

God empowers you for His purpose.

6. Find a Church That Embraces Biblical Calling

Not Western hierarchy.

Not title obsession.

Not celebrity culture.

But a Spirit‑led, gift‑empowered, disciple‑making community.

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Closing Thought

“Your calling is not complicated.

Your calling is to follow Jesus.”

Your calling is to make disciples.

Your calling is to use your gifts for the body.

Your calling is to love the Father above all else.

Everything else—every role, every assignment, every season—is temporary.

Your calling is eternal.