Preaching the word is a most noble calling. If you are wondering if God is calling you to be a minister, there are some pointers you need to consider:
1-Listen to the Lord’s still small voice calling you to be a minster when you’re praying and studying the scriptures. “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:6).
2-Feel the conviction of God’s call when you read the Scriptures. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye” (Psalm 32:8).
3-The Lord puts a fire in the heart of those that are called to be minsters. Jeremiah described this experience: “For when I spoke, I cried out; I shouted, “Violence and plunder!”Because the word of the Lord was made to me a reproach and a derision daily. Then I said, “I will not make mention of Him, nor speak anymore in His name.” But His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back” (Jeremiah 20:8-9). And this fire will not go out unless it is released in preaching. The apostle Paul declared, “woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:16).
4-Watch for the open doors and closed doors of providence to minister – remember the story of Jonah. The Lord led Jonah to Nineveh and opened the way for him to preach the message of repentance there.
5-Conslut the Lord’s leaders in the church and see if there is a confirmation to your calling because “in multitude of counsellors there is safety” (Proverbs 24:6). The prospective minister should also be examined by the leaders in the church. The requirements for elders are listed in (1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1). The life of the minister to be should be evaluated.
6-The Lord may use visions or dreams to affirm His calling to you. “And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them” (Acts 16:9,10).
7-Look for the opportunity to preach as Paul did in Athens (Acts 17:21-32). If the response to early efforts at your preaching is positive, this is a good sign that you have the gift of teaching from the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:11).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
