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Can someone declare themselves a minister?
What if you feel called, but no one else sees it?
Who confirms that calling — and how?
Paul wrote:
And how can anyone preach unless they are sent?— Romans 10:15 (NIV)
And again we see that Paul and Barnabas were set apart by the Spirit — but confirmed by the Church:
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.— Acts 13:2–3 (NIV)
There’s the balance: God calls… the Church confirms.
The Church of the Nazarene honors this pattern with deep reverence:
When the church, illuminated by the Holy Spirit, recognizes such a divine call, the church endorses and assists the individual’s entry into a lifetime of ministry.— Manual ¶500
This means a genuine call to ministry is not a private matter.
It is affirmed by the Spirit and recognized by the community of faith.
You can sense the call — but the Church helps confirm it.
Together we listen.
Together we discern.
Together we send.
