Calling of Ministry in Scripture
The intent of this study is to examine how ministry is called in the Church of Christ based on scripture, provide examples of callings, and finally to also answer the question:
“Why does God use people to call ministers?”
Callings before Abraham
Helaman 3:49-52 – “49 And now behold, Moses did not only testify of these things [the coming of Christ, CJM], but also all the holy prophets, from his days even to the days of Abraham. 50 Yea, and behold, Abraham saw of his coming, and was filled with gladness, and did rejoice. 51 Yea, and behold I say unto you, that Abraham not only knew of these things, but there were many before the days of Abraham which were called by the order of God; yea, even after the order of his Son; 52 And this that it should be shewn unto the people a great many thousand years before his coming, that even redemption should come unto them.”
Alma 9:63 – 73 – “63 And I would that ye should remember that the Lord God ordained priests, after his holy order, which was after the order of his Son, to teach these things unto the people; 64 And those priests were ordained after the order of his Son, in a manner that thereby the people might know in what manner to look forward to his Son for redemption. 65 And this is the manner after which they were ordained: being called and prepared from the foundation of the world, according to the foreknowledge of God, on account of their exceeding faith and good works; in the first place being left to choose good or evil; 66 Therefore they having chosen good, and exercising exceeding great faith, are called with a holy calling, yea, with that holy calling which was prepared with, and according to, a preparatory redemption for such; 67 And thus they have been called to this holy calling on account of their faith, while others would reject the Spirit of God on account of the hardness of their hearts and blindness of their minds, while, if it had not been for this, they might have had as great privilege as their brethren. 68 Or in fine: in the first place they were on the same standing with their brethren; thus this holy calling being prepared from the foundation of the world for such as would not harden their hearts, being in and through the atonement of the only begotten Son, which was prepared; 69 And thus being called by this holy calling, and ordained unto the high priesthood of the holy order of God, to teach his commandments unto the children of men, that they also might enter into his rest, 70 This high priesthood being after the order of his Son, which order was from the foundation of the world: 71 Or in other words, being without beginning of days or end of years, being prepared from eternity to all eternity, according to his foreknowledge of all things. 72 Now they were ordained after this manner: Being called with a holy calling, and ordained with a holy ordinance, and taking upon them the high priesthood of the holy order, which calling, and ordinance, and high priesthood, is without beginning or end; 73 Thus they become high priests for ever, after the order of the Son, the only begotten of the Father, which is without beginning of days or end of years, which is full of grace, equity, and truth. And thus it is. Amen.”
Alma 10:6-15 – “6 And now, my brethren, I would that ye should humble yourselves before God, and bring forth fruit meet for repentance, that ye may also enter into that rest; 7 Yea, humble yourselves even as the people in the days of Melchisedec, who was also a high priest after this same order which I have spoken, who also took upon him the high priesthood for ever. 8 And it was this same Melchisedec to whom Abraham paid tithes: yea, even our father Abraham paid tithes of one- tenth part of all that he possessed. 9 Now these ordinances were given after this manner, that thereby the people might look forward on the Son of God, it being a type of his order, or it being his order; 10 And this, that they might look forward to him for a remission of their sins, that they might enter into the rest of the Lord. 11 Now this Melchisedec was a king over the land of Salem; and his people had waxed strong in iniquity and abominations; yea, they had all gone astray: they were full of all manner of wickedness; 12 But Melchisedec having exercised mighty faith, and received the office of the high priesthood, according to the holy order of God, did preach repentance unto his people. 13 And behold, they did repent; and Melchisedec did establish peace in the land in his days; 14 Therefore he was called the prince of peace, for he was the king of Salem; and he did reign under his father. 15 Now there were many before him, and also there were many afterwards, but none were greater; therefore of him they have more particularly made mention.”
Ether 5:11 – “Behold, it was by faith that they of old were called after the holy order of God; wherefore, by faith was the Law of Moses given.”
This holy priesthood continues within the Church of Christ to this day. Christ is the head of this priesthood structure.
1 Peter 2:5 – “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.”
The Calling of Jacob
2 Nephi 5:2 – “Behold, my beloved brethren, that I, Jacob, having been called of God, and ordained after the manner of his holy order,”
The Calling of Ammon
Alma 12:111-113 – “111 And King Lamoni saith, I believe all these things which thou hast spoken. Art thou sent from God? 112 Ammon saith unto him, I am a man; and man in the beginning, was created after the image of God, and I am called by his Holy Spirit to teach these things unto this people, that they may be brought to a knowledge of that which is just and true;”
The Calling of Alma (Son of Alma)
Alma 15:65 – “Yea, and that same God hath called me by a holy calling, to preach the word unto this people, and hath given me much success, in the which my joy is full; but I do not joy in my own success alone, but my joy is more full because of the success of my brethren, which have been up to the land of Nephi.”
The Calling of the Sons of Alma
Alma 20:1-2 – “1 And now it came to pass, that the sons of Alma did go forth among the people to declare the word unto them. And Alma also, himself, could not rest, and he also went forth. 2 Now we shall say no more concerning their preaching, except that they preached the word, and the truth, according to the spirit of prophecy and revelation: and they preached after the holy order of God, by which they were called.”
The Calling of Amos
Amos 7:14-15 – “14 Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit: 15 And the LORD took me as I followed the flock, and the LORD said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel.”
The Calling of Jonah
Jonah 1:1-2 – “1 Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2 Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me.”
The Calling of Jesus Christ
Hebrews 5:1-10 – “1 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: 2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. 3 And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. 4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. 5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. 6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; 10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.”
Hebrews 7:9-17 – “9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. 10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him. 11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? 12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. 13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. 15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, 16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. 17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.”
The Calling of the First Twelve Apostles
Luke 6:12-13 – “12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. 13 And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;”
Here Christ prayed to God all night (this is also an example for us to pray for called ministers). The next day, Christ chose twelve apostles in Jerusalem.
Jesus later tells the disciples:
John 15:16 – “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.”
In addition:
Acts 1:1-2 – “1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:”
The Calling of Twelve Disciples in the Americas
A prophecy:
1 Nephi 3:113-114 – “113 And I also saw and bear record that the Holy Ghost fell upon twelve others, and they were ordained of God, and chosen. 114 And the angel spake unto me, saying, Behold the twelve disciples of the Lamb, which are chosen to minister unto thy seed.”
The actual calling:
3 Nephi 5:19-45 – “19 And Nephi arose and went forth, and bowed himself before the Lord, and he did kiss his feet. 20 And the Lord commanded him that he should arise. And he arose and stood before him. 21 And the Lord said unto him, I give unto you power that ye shall baptize this people, when I am again ascended into heaven. 22 And again the Lord called others, and said unto them likewise; and he gave unto them power to baptize. 44 And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words unto Nephi, and to those which had been called (now the number of them which had been called and received power and authority to baptize, were twelve), 45 And behold he stretched forth his hand unto the multitude, and cried unto them, saying, Blessed are ye if ye shall give heed unto the words of these twelve which I have chosen from among you to minister unto you, and to be your servants”
These twelve disciples were chosen/called by the Lord.
The Calling of Paul and Barnabas
Acts 9:3-28 – “3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. 7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. 10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. 17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. 19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. 20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. 21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? 22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. 23 And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: 24 But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. 25 Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket. 26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 28 And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.”
Regarding the above:
1. On the Damascus road, Paul received a dramatic encounter with the Lord
2. The Lord witnessed to Ananias that Paul is a “chosen vessel”
3. Paul was baptized and received the Holy Ghost through the laying on of hands
4. Paul was taken to the apostles and Barnabas testified of Paul’s experience
Therefore, in the previous account, both Ananias and Barnabas were being used by the Lord as witnesses to Paul’s experience and calling. It was the Lord that chose Paul, but this witness was provided to Ananias and Barnabas.
Later, Paul and Barnabas were ordained to Apostles:
Acts 13:1-3 – “1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”
Acts 14:14 – “14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out …”
Regarding the above:
1. Barnabas was apparently a prophet or teacher prior to his calling as an apostle.
2. While fasting, the ministry were told that Barnabas and Saul (Paul) were called as apostles (the ministry had their own personal witness)
3. The Lord called Paul and Barnabas through the Holy Ghost witnessing to men. The call did not originate with men, but was relayed through the testimony of these men.
4. Barnabas and Paul were ordained through the laying on of hands
Paul’s testimony regarding his calling:
Romans 1:1 – “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,”
1 Corinthians 1:1 – “Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,”
Galatians 1:1 – “Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)”
Ephesians 1:1 – “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:”
1 Timothy 1:1 – “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;”
1 Timothy 2:7 – “Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.”
2 Timothy 1:1 – “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,”
Regarding Barnabas:
Acts 11:22-24 – “22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. 23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. 24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.”
The Calling of Other Elders
Acts 14:21-23 – “21 And when they [Paul and Barnabas, CJM] had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, 22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. 23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.”
Here specific mention of the Lord’s calling is not mentioned, but prayer and fasting is. Through prayer and fasting, the church received witness from God who was called. Elders were then ordained.
The Calling of Moroni
Moroni 7:2 – “And now I, Mormon, speak unto you, my beloved brethren; and it is by the grace of God, the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, and his holy will, because of the gift of his calling unto me, that I am permitted to speak unto you at this time;”
Moroni 8:1 – “An epistle of my father Mormon, written to me, Moroni: and it was written unto me soon after my calling to the ministry.”
How is ministry to be ordained?
Paul and Barnabas:
Acts 13:1-3 – “1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”
Moroni 3:1-3 – “1 The manner which the disciples, which were called the elders of the church, ordained priests and teachers. 2 After they had prayed unto the Father in the name of Christ, they laid their hands upon them, and said, In the name of Jesus Christ I ordain you to be a priest (or if he be a teacher; I ordain you to be a teacher) to preach repentance and remission of sins through Jesus Christ, by the endurance of faith on his name to the end. Amen. 3 And after this manner did they ordain priests and teachers, according to the gifts and callings of God unto men; and they ordained them by the power of the Holy Ghost, which was in them.”
Calling and ordination result in authority
Mark 13:34 – “For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.”
Mosiah 9:50-51 – “50 And it came to pass that whosoever was baptized by the power and authority of God, was added to his church. 51 And it came to pass that Alma, having authority from God, ordained priests; even one priest to every fifty of their number did he ordain to preach unto them, and to teach them concerning the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.”
Mosiah 9:176-177 – “176 And it came to pass that King Limhi and many of his people were desirous to be baptized; but there was none in the land that had authority from God. 177 And Ammon declined doing this thing, considering himself an unworthy servant; therefore they did not at that time form themselves into a church, waiting upon the Spirit of the Lord.”
Mosiah 11:18 – “And it came to pass that none received authority to preach or to teach, except it were by him from God.”
3 Nephi 8:32-73 – “32 And when the multitude had eaten and were filled, he saith unto the disciples, Behold, there shall one be ordained among you, and to him will I give power that he shall break bread, and bless it, and give it unto the people of my church, unto all they which shall believe and be baptized in my name. 70 And it came to pass that when Jesus had made an end of these sayings, he touched with his hand the disciples whom he had chosen, one by one, even until he had touched them all, and spake unto them as he touched them; 71 And the multitude heard not the words which he spake, therefore they did not bear record; but the disciples bear record that he gave them power to give the Holy Ghost. 72 And I will shew unto you hereafter that this record is true. 73 And it came to pass that when Jesus had touched them all, there came a cloud and overshadowed the multitude, that they could not see Jesus.”
God Chooses His Overseers
Acts 20:28 – “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”
Calling is NOT dependent on formal religious education
Those in scripture were chosen by God. They had their own personal understanding of the scriptures and were not wise according to the world’s standard.
1 Corinthians 1:18-31 – “18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”
Even others outside of the Church of Christ agree:
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We should note that a call to ministry has nothing directly to do with having a master’s of divinity or theology degree or in being ordained in a technical sense. The disciples were untrained and uneducated men, but they feared God and knew His Word, being unafraid to proclaim it and trusting in the Spirit for ability and insight. We need men who depend upon the Spirit fully more than we need high intellects and advanced degrees.
There are other churches (only a few) that have unpaid ministers and lay people that serve as Pastors (i.e. some Apostolic churches).
So why does God use people to call ministry?
#1
It can be thought of as a system of ‘checks and balances’. Not only is there a personal calling, but also a witness is provided to others. These people do not perform the call themselves, but are used by God to testify of the calling. People cannot personally call themselves. This calling comes from God, and is not based on one’s personal opinions regarding someone.
Throughout the course of history, others have claimed authority within the church falsely. For example:
Revelation 2:1-3 – “1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; 2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.”
Matthew 17:15-20 – “15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”
2 Nephi 12:3-5 – “3 For it shall come to pass in that day, that the churches which are built up, and not unto the Lord, when the one shall say unto the other, Behold, I, I am the Lord's; and the other shall say, I, I am the Lord's. 4 And thus shall every one say, that hath built up churches, and not unto the Lord; 5 And they shall contend one with another; and their priests shall contend one with another; and they shall teach with their learning, and deny the Holy Ghost, which giveth utterance.”
Those that claim authority to preach Christ’s gospel and represent His church are to be “tried”. Do they teach the gospel according to scriptural standards? Do they acknowledge the Holy Ghost and the gifts of the Spirit? Are these gifts present in the church?
#2
God uses humble people in tune with the Spirit to provide witness to the calling of others. As a result, it enforces a need for Spiritual preparation and humbleness before the Lord in all members.
#3
It provides order within the church.
#4
Simply, it is the method that God has chosen to continue the Church of Christ and establish His ministry.
Summary
1. God has been calling people into His ministry since the foundation of the world.
2. People are called under a holy priesthood, a priesthood that originates from Christ. This holy priesthood continues within the Church of Christ today.
3. It is God that does the calling through His Holy Spirit, but God uses men and women to witness to the calling to achieve His purposes. Those that bear witness are simply tools in the hands of God.
4. When Christ was here on earth, Christ personally called many (i.e. apostles, disciples).
5. Ministry is ordained through the laying on of hands.
6. The present Church of Christ is the same church (restored) that existed in New Testament times. The organization and model for callings remains the same.
Excellent study, by our Brother Chris. From my own personal experience ... i have found that it is useless to tell the Lord that you're not qualified for a task He has called you to ... He will agree with you ... He didn't call you because you are qualified, but because He has a task for you to perform, and He will give you any help you need.
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