How do you know you are called to preach

[soldout4Jesus]

Greetings in the wonderful name of Jesus!

This is more of a prayer request than a topic for discussion. I need enlightenment concerning my calling.

I'm not (yet) a full time worker. I haven't finished my degree and I'm working part time to support my studies. I'm involved in different ministries in church. I'm a choir member, a song leader, and a prayer group leader. I also do jail ministry and lead one of the youth groups.

We have been praying that God would send forth labourers into his harvest. So many doors are being opened for the spread of the gospel but the question is "Who will go?"

Almost a month ago, my Aunt's house where I was staying burned down and destroyed my possessions.

I know it didn't happen by chance. Surely, God has a purpose for allowing it to happen. But He hasn't revealed clearly to me His purpose yet. Could it be that he's calling me to give my life for His gospel?

I am now staying in church. I live with my Pastor together with some church workers/helps. The pastor haven't personally talked to me about considering working full time in church but somehow I have the feeling that in the near future we'll talk about it.

I want to know God's plan for my life. More than that, I want to be obedient enough to submit to his plan. Somehow, I still have fears. But I want to overcome these fears.
I know there's a price that one has to pay to be a minister of the gospel. But I don't know if I'd be able to make it when he bids me to "Go."

So, how do you know that you are called to preach?

[Adoniyah]

Soldout:

As a very young man, I went to my Pastor and said, "I believe that I am called to preach."

He looked me square in the face and said, 'FORGET IT." At that, he turned to walk away.

As I stood there with my mouth wide open in disbelieve, He turned back instantly and said, 'IF YOU CAN."

I have often thoght about that many times. FORGET ABOUT IT....if you can...

If you can't. Jump in with both feet under the auspicies of your Pastor. If you are called to preach, it wont take long for you to see it as it will become evident to your Pastor as well. If you are not, it wont be long until your Pastor will advise you to pursue some other line of ministry.

[nytxn1971]

Originally posted by soldout4Jesus
Almost a month ago, my Aunt's house where I was staying burned down and destroyed my possessions.

I know it didn't happen by chance. Surely, God has a purpose for allowing it to happen. But He hasn't revealed clearly to me His purpose yet. Could it be that he's calling me to give my life for His gospel?...

A dear brother from my church, Charlesd Chargois, preached on something similar to this last night, Soldout...

He preached on Acts 4:34-5:5 and talked about seperating our trash piles from our 'cash' piles (the stuff that's important to us). And then taking our cash piles to the House of the Lord with us. It frees us from the cares of this world, and enables us to drop everything for God at a moment's notice.

Maybe God's putting you in a position to re-examine what's most important to you and to see if you'll give him everything you have left... for his use and his glory.

Just a thought... take it for what it's worth.

As for your calling... you know within yourself whether you really do have one or not. The Holy Ghost bears witness of that in your spirit, and you know already... you can't run from it. If you do, you'll end up like Jonah...

[Hnovilla]

His Name is Jesus!

Beloved, the Church is called to "...show forth the praises of Him who called you out of darkness and into His marvelous light..."; that is, to preach.
But many seem to get preaching and a call to the Ministry mixed up. We are ALL called to preach (speak under the annointing), as is the Ministry. But not all are called into the Ministry.
I believe that what you are asking is regarding the Ministry. If you are already 'preaching the Gospel', the Lord might call you into the Ministry. If a person is not yet 'preaching', then that individual is not ready for a position in the Ministry.
The Apostle PAul is a good example. He was preaching, receiveed the "...rtight hand of fellowship...", and the Lord elevated him to the position of Teacher. In Acts 9, the Lord later called him and Barnabas into the apostleship.
Beloved, being called into the Ministry is a personal witness, as strong as receiving the Holy Spirit. The man will KNOW it. Here are a few 'clues':
You will KNOW the Gospel
You will HAVE the Gospel
You will be 'preaching' the Gospel
You will be exercising one of the 'gifts' of the Holy Spirit
The Ministry (two witnesses or three) will confirm the calling by witnessing the above
Now you will be ready to BEGIN the journey

Brother Villa

[Thelordisone]

Amen Hnovilla!!

[ddc101]

Hi Bro.Beloy,
Thanks for the message.Heres how I knew.I felt deep in my heart that I wanted to do something...anything for Jesus.I also felt and still do that this message is one the world needs to hear(salvation).I also felt in prayer that I was in the place between the people and Jesus trying to get them to understand just who he really is.I felt this in my prayer closet.However I was already loading up the car with people each service,cleaning the church,
helping cut the grass,playing an instument,teaching sunday school and preaching in parking lots after work.When I approached my pastor he already knew.He asked me what I wanted to do...I told him preach the gospel...He said go home and get dressed.You are going with me and sister to a fellowship meeting tonight.Then I began to help him with services.I have always felt the burden to help carry the load of the service.Some people go to church and participate.Others go and help hold services.There is a big difference.The difference is the call in your soul.There are many who will read this and say stuff like we are all called.But I state at this point...we are not all called to leadership.Jesus chooses leadership not man.It is evident by the witness and the annointing on the person.This is a call you have to settle in your heart between you and Jesus.No one can tell you
you just know and consequently no one can tell you that you are not if you have settled the issue...not satan...not man...not your flesh when you are in a battle.So settle it and put your hand to the plow and don't look back.lv sis.c

[soldout4Jesus]

:)
Thank you so much for all the responses. I agree with basically everything that's been posted here and now I am enlightened. I'll consider your posts and pray about this.

Thanks again and God bless you all.

[Goodshepherd]

Praise the Lord my brother........... my advice to you is to pray that the Lord have his way with your life. Continue to make yourself available to him and be ready to go when and if he says to go.

God bless!!

[Faithchild]

I could give you a long dramatic story but really I am miserable doing anything else. I judge my longevity in preaching by the fruit gleaned from the meetings. When the fruit stops, the burden lifts, I'm back being a soul-winning radio guy!