The Call to Ministry Is Not a Career Choice

Jeremiah 1:4–10

Have you ever heard someone say, “I’ve always wanted to be a pastor”? That’s usually when I squint a little and think, Really? Did you dream of church business meetings, church budgets, counseling sessions, and fielding anonymous complaint emails about your shoes?

Being a pastor is not something you pursue as a dream job. It is not the same as wanting to be a firefighter or an astronaut. This is a calling. And Jeremiah knew precisely what that felt like.

“The Lord gave me this message: ‘I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.’”—Jeremiah 1:4–5 (NLT)

In other words, God had Jeremiah on the preaching rotation before his mom had morning sickness.

And Jeremiah’s reaction? Not, “Wow, what an honor!” It was more like, “I am too young, I cannot speak, please choose anyone else.” And honestly, I think that an eager reaction to God's call to Pastor is a red flag. God rarely taps the eager who have branded merch ready to go.

I Never Planned on Being a Pastor

I never dreamed of being a pastor.

Growing up, I wanted to be a Marine. Then a truck driver. Later, after I surrendered my life to Jesus, I thought I would teach Kindergarten and write children's books. No joke. I had plans—normal plans. But God kept calling.

As I grew in my relationship with God through reading my Bible and praying on a daily basis, God kept calling.

The more I simply tried to follow Jesus, the more clearly God called.

Running from the Call Will Wear You Out

So, I ran from it. Hard. From 1993 to 1996, I basically treated God’s call like a persistent telemarketer—He kept dialing my number and I kept declining the call. I kept reading my Bible and telling God I belonged to Him and that He could use me however he wanted...but whenever the Call to Pastor came up, I said no.

Ignoring God's call to ministry catches up to you. Your soul gets tired. Your joy dries up. You feel like something’s off, and it is.

Eventually, I stopped fighting—not because I figured it all out, but because I was exhausted. I surrendered. And I realized something: I could not continue to try to follow Jesus and ignore the call to pastor.

“You did not choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit…”—John 15:16 (NLT)

You Will Never Feel Ready

Maybe you have heard God's call but have not yet surrendered because you feel underqualified, uncertain, and perhaps a little frightened. I get it. But I think those are often the best signs you are right where He wants you.

“Do not be afraid… for I am with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!”—Jeremiah 1:8 (NLT)

So if God has been calling you to pastor—to lead, to shepherd, to preach—say yes. Do not wait until you feel ready. You will never feel ready. And, you were not called because you were ready. You were called because all you want to do is to follow Jesus.

There is no greater joy than surrendering to do what you were made to do. This calling is not punishment (though it will feel like it is some days!).

If God is calling you to Pastoral ministry, just say yes.