One can always count on Howard Culbertson for anything related to missions and the Bible. Recently, while researching the topic of one’s “Call to Missions,” We happened across this simple outline:
Discovering if you have a missions calling
1. Immerse yourself in the Word — All of it! Not just a few favorite phrases
2. Listen to the Holy Spirit — The inner witness
3. Look to God as sovereign — He often leads by opening and closing doors
4. Seek the counsel of mature Christians — Church elders, pastor, a mentor, close Christian friends
(Howard credited Joe Mattox at the HEART Institute, Lake Wales, FL, with this simple outline. See Howard’s page at http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/call.htm.)
In this simple outline, we found a great summary to the answer for which we were searching. In essence, for us, the missionary “call” originates not within an emotional event, but rather, in the words of scripture itself. Why? Because only the words of scripture are unchanging. If your life is anchored in a firm call based on the Bible, your compass never varies.
But maybe you see it differently. How would YOU articulate the call to missions in your life? How would you recommend that others discern THEIR calling? Please – speak. We promise to listen.
What a great subject! Who would not like the Antioch church’s answer to their prayer, “And the Holy Spirit said, ‘Separate unto me, Barnabas and Saul…’?” On Emmaus Road’s home page is an article posted: BUT I DON’T FEEL CALLED. In a series of three callings, it clarifies a missionary call. But, the unanswered part is in the details! So the article (free for download) discusses six ways people in the Book of Acts were directed to follow their call.
Neal, I really like what you shared on this topic. Where can I find the article you refer to? Thanks ML
Moses was called by God in the burning bush, up Mt Sinai 8x. Gideon was called by God for delivering Israel. So was Samiel, David, Joseph, Abraham, Paul. Scripture didnt call them. Just aas in missions, Scripture maybe the truth but it doesnt move the unbeliever until he knows Christ. Drawn by God, His people accomplish exploits by Yahweh’s anointing. Amen.