If you are reading this it is likely that you are beginning to discern a call on your life towards ministry. First of all, it's great that you want to follow God. Obedience to God is always the right thing, you'll never regret listening to and obeying God. Take time to learn more about the call to ministry.

The Church of the Nazarene believes that all Christians are called to minister. God's call to ministry is not limited to a few saintly Christians who are deeply committed to pray, sacrifice, and serve while others live "normal" lives in a secular society. Whatever vocation God calls you to - carpenter, doctor, farmer, teacher, missionary, or homemaker - that becomes the arena for your ministry.

While not everyone will earn their living through full-time ministry, every Christian must choose a vocation and carry out ministry as God directs. Everything you do must be for His glory. God expects full-time Christian service from you.

Biblical accounts of God's call vary greatly. It would be so much easier if God would speak His will in a clear, audible voice or send an engraved invitation. It would require less faith if He called us all in the same predictable way. Instead, He expects us to be sensitive and obedient to His direction as He leads us step by step.

God is the source of the gifts and graces that equip us to fulfill his call. Your call will take advantage of your strengths - an important indication of God's will for you. You may not be aware of those qualities and abilities before He calls you. The advice and help of other Christians will guide and affirm you as you seek to develop and to use your God-given potential for Him.

Some Christians will be called to specific ministries such as pastor, missionary, Christian education, or other ministries, in response and in obedience to the call of God. These callings carry with them such responsibility that the church provides special educational preparation for them. Approval to serve in these areas includes careful examination and nurture before endorsement is given, credentials are granted, and appointments are made.

Fellow Christians have an important role in confirming or correcting your perception of God's call. Because everyone will not understand your response to God's call, you should prayerfully listen to fellow believers who encourage or question your pursuit of a particular ministry. God may be speaking through them.

The first part of the process is to seek godly counsel from a pastor as well as from friends and family members who exhibit Christian discernment and wisdom. You will want to spend time in prayer and perhaps even fasting. It is no small decision to begin this process and not something to be entered into lightly.