1. Recognizing the Call: How Does God Speak?
When we talk about calling in the Bible, we see it in two ways: specific callings and general callings. God called individuals for distinct purposes—Noah to build an ark, Moses to lead Israel out of slavery, Paul to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. These were unique, undeniable moments where God directed their lives in a clear, powerful way. But alongside these specific callings, there is also a general calling that applies to all believers. Jesus commissioned His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19)—a call that isn’t reserved for just a select few but for every Christian, regardless of their role or position.
Yet, sometimes we overcomplicate calling. We wait for a Gideon and the fleece moment, expecting God to show up in a miraculous way before we say “yes” to leading a Bible study, mentoring someone younger in the faith, or even signing up to volunteer. But calling doesn’t always come with a burning bush or an angelic visit. More often, God leads us through our gifts, burdens, opportunities, and even simple obedience in the small things. Leadership, prayer, administration, teaching, counseling—all of these can be callings that God places in our lives for the sake of His kingdom. The question isn’t always “Has God called me?” but rather, “Am I paying attention to where He’s already leading?”
2. Overcoming Doubt and Fear in Leadership
What if I fail? Am I qualified? Do I need specific training? What if I accidentally say something heretical? Am I even allowed to do this? I have asked all of these questions at some point or another. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by our shortcomings or paralyzed by the fear of getting it wrong. When I think back to my first years in ministry at 18, I cringe at some of the things I taught—I have to pray all over again for God to cover and correct my ignorance and youthful fervor. But here’s the thing: God’s grace is bigger than our inexperience.
Do we need to approach new roles with caution and wisdom? Absolutely. But more often than not, our struggle isn’t being reckless—it’s being stuck. We camp out in “I’ll pray about it” when what we really need is “Yes, and help me, Lord.” We don’t like stepping into spaces where we feel weak, unprepared, or exposed. But that is exactly where growth—and more importantly, faith—happen. You will disappoint people. You will make mistakes. But you will also see your God-given strengths in a new light, grow to appreciate the people around you who make you better, and learn to adapt to new challenges. The goal isn’t to lead perfectly—it’s to lead faithfully.
3. Seeking Wise Counsel and Spiritual Discernment
Stepping into a calling isn’t meant to be a solo endeavor. We need people—mentors, pastors, wise friends—who will challenge, encourage, and sharpen us. One of the biggest mistakes we can make is assuming we have to figure everything out alone. Even Paul, who had a direct encounter with Jesus, spent years learning from other believers and being discipled before stepping fully into his ministry. Priscilla and Aquila pulled Apollos aside and “explained the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26)—not to discourage him, but to equip him. Seeking wise counsel doesn’t mean you’re unqualified; it means you’re teachable. And that posture of humility is what will sustain you in the long run. If you’re wrestling with a decision, don’t just sit in isolation. Pray, seek wisdom, and be open to correction. Your calling will become clearer in the process, and you’ll be stronger because of it.
4. Walking in Obedience: Taking the Next Step
Stepping into a calling isn’t meant to be a solo endeavor. We need people—mentors, pastors, wise friends—who will challenge, encourage, and sharpen us. One of the biggest mistakes we can make is assuming we have to figure everything out alone, as if calling is something we’re meant to navigate in isolation. But the reality is, growth happens in community. We aren’t meant to do this alone, and we don’t have to.
In every season of ministry, God has placed people around me with different stories and experiences that I have leaned on for help, wisdom, guidance, and prayer. Sometimes, it looked like a mentor—someone ahead of me in life and leadership—who gave me a glimpse of what faithfulness could look like a decade down the road. Other times, it was a peer, walking alongside me in the same struggles, reminding me I wasn’t alone. And then there were the surprising ones—the people totally opposite from me in personality, leadership style, and approach—who gave me wisdom I never would have considered on my own. Their ability to slow down and see situations from a different angle helped me grow in self-awareness and wisdom in ways I never expected.
Seeking wise counsel doesn’t mean you’re unqualified; it means you’re teachable. And that posture of humility is what will sustain you in the long run. If you’re wrestling with a decision, don’t sit in isolation. Ask questions. Listen well. Be open to correction. You don’t have to have all the answers—you just need the willingness to learn. Your calling will become clearer in the process, and you’ll be stronger because of it.
