Immanuel Bulletin Series:
In last Monday’s call meeting, the congregation extended the call to teach in our high school to Cynthia C.. Now and in the coming days, Cynthia will be prayerfully considering this call.
Once an individual has received a call from a Christian congregation, the first and ongoing step in the decision process is prayer.
The decision-making process could lead to anxiety because of uncertainty. God says: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6).
The decision-making process includes the desire to be confident in the decision. God says: “…ask in faith, with no doubting…” (James 1:6).
When a call decision is made while using God’s Word for counsel and taking the matter to God in prayer, then everyone can be confident that the final decision is God’s will. Jesus says: “Whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you” (John 16:23).
Our life’s purpose is to make the best possible use of the gifts God has given to us and to do so with thankfulness and in service to Him and His kingdom. “Serve the Lord with gladness present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Psalm 100:2, Romans 12:1, Colossians 3:17). With this in mind, a call decision is based upon a careful consideration of this question: “In what role am I best able to serve the Lord with the abilities He has given me?”
In evaluating this question it is helpful for an individual to seek information and advice from as many sources as seems useful. Others may be better able to assess a person’s gifts and personal limitations. Others may also be able to recognize factors which the individual himself might overlook.
A clear picture of the work in a congregation (in general) and of the call (in specific) is necessary for the called individual to reach a properly considered decision. For this reason the calling congregation sends as much information as it believes will be helpful, and happily answers questions that might arise during the decision process.
Things to consider:
Things not to consider:
A person considering a call will frequently pass through 1) an initial reaction either to accept or return the call; 2) utter confusion as the various factors bearing upon a decision are considered; and 3) a clear conviction of what the decision should be.
A decision may come in a few days, or it may take several weeks. Generally, a decision is made as soon as possible for the sake of all concerned. Generally, if there is still doubt of what to do after 2-3 weeks, the individual should probably return the call. If a person is convinced that God is calling him to a certain place he should accept the call (Isaiah 6:8). If a person is convinced of God’s call there should be no hesitancy to accept the call because of reluctance or a feeling of inadequacy, for whom the Lord calls He also equips (Jeremiah 1:4-10, Exodus 4:10-17).
This week: Keep Cynthia in your prayers asking that the Lord will give her His guidance and lead her to the decision that reflects His will.