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Calling is a word that we often hear in Christian circles. Some are convicted of their “call” and others are waiting for clarity of their “call.” I often find myself in the second camp. Still others confuse call with their personal dreams, plans, and desires. Certainly, calling is compelling and desirable, but (at least in my experience) it is seldom the dreams, plans, and desires that I held on my own. Instead, calling demands sacrifice.

The first things that must be sacrificed are my dreams, plans, and desires. That is the idea behind the Greek word kaleo, translated “to call.” The idea expressed in that word is that one is summoned to go or do the thing to which they are called. That summons demands one to do what the one who calls them, rather than what they may desire to do. 

That concept of calling challenges two ideas that are prevalent among many Christians, especially ministers of God’s Church. The first idea challenged by kaleois how to discern the authenticity of one’s calling. For example, when I was enrolled in seminary a young man knocked on my door to invite me to “his new church.”^[1] As we visited, he shared that he was planting this Baptist Church (I am not knocking any Christian faith group, only sharing an important part of the story). I asked if he had considered helping any of the other 50 Baptist parishes within the 10-mile radius of where we lived in South Carolina. He quickly argued that God had called him to be a senior pastor. I asked how he knew that he was called and that this was where he was called? He replied, “Well, I grew up two houses down from where I live now. I’ve been away to seminary and now I am back to do God’s work.” There are so many issues with his response, but the key point for this subject is that he didn’t share any evidence of calling, but only evidence of being homesick. 

Many are called, but some confuse calling with personal ambition and desire. Personal desire is a false calling. Second, and perhaps more insidious is the idea that “my calling is THE calling.” This is a major trap of ministers, especially immature leaders. God’s calling is often very personal. He is calling you. The primary purpose of His call is always to draw you close to Him. The “good work” of our calling is always a by-product of His main purpose. God desires you. He doesn’t “need you.” He wants you! God is the Creator of all things. He can (and has) made rocks praise Him. He can (and has) speak through a donkey! I find much more strength knowing that He wants me. He wants you too. Never forget that!

Yesterday, I spoke with a pastor in another country who wanted to tell of his ministry. It was a beautiful ministry and appears to be blessed. However, at the mid-point of our conversation he began asking for financial support. I explained that I too had a calling and responsibility for caring for the congregation that God has entrusted to my care. The gentleman argued that if I loved God then I should want to see his ministry expand. Now pause for a moment and consider the gentleman’s argument. This is where we can damage one another by abusing another’s Christian compassion. This is a reason that confusion “my calling with THE calling” is insidious. It places untoward guilt and may detract others from answering God’s kaleo to them. 

Calling must be discerned. We must pray for clarity. One of the most valued parts of my personal ordination process was the fellowship of prayer demanded by the Church prior to ordination. Area priests gathered with me to pray for clarity. Fellow parishioners met and prayed with me. My bishop and I met for months and prayed. While the expression of my calling was not clear, the reality of kaleo to ministry was very clear. 

Calling must be patiently awaited. For our communion, discernment is a year long process. Many young (and some not so young) ordinands become restless and complain of the “bureaucracy.” In truth, calling demands patience. When we consider St. Paul’s conversion, we often look at that miracle of the Damascus Road. Blinding lights, voice of Jesus, and body shaking experience becomes our idea of calling. In reality, Paul had been groomed from childhood. He was taught to love God’s Word by faithful rabbis. He sat at the feet of Gamaliel to learn the Law. The zeal he needed to carry him through the challenges of prison, beatings, ship wrecks, riots, trials, and martyrdom. For many years, Paul had been groomed for God’s calling.

My final point in this writing is that kaleo is focused to the one being called. Certainly, God calls others to places where our paths intersect, support, and edify one another. That is the beauty of the body of the Church. As St. Paul described to the church in Corinth, God assembles the parts of the body to benefit the other parts. However, when a part of the body demands all other members defer to it there is dysfunction. In the human body, such circumstances is categorized as disease. In the Church, it is a disease as well.

I pray that each of us patiently discern our calling through prayer with others. That we sacrifice our own personal ambitions and embrace the desires of the One who has called. That we humble ourselves and honor God’s call to one another and trust as He draws callings together. And that we are blessed by kaleo that draws us into the loving presence of God.

In Him,
Abbot Dan, OSB

^[1][Just a side note. I am always troubled by any minister who says, “my church.” I often ask to see their hands and look for scars. The Church belongs only to Christ and not to any preacher. I confess this is a pet peeve of mine.]