The Ministry as a Calling by Arthur G. Daniells

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 27, 1911

The Ministry as a Calling

By Arthur G. Daniells

The Gospel Ministry—No. 2

(A synopsis of Bible studies given at the Philadelphia ministerial institute.)

In this study we shall consider two questions—the gospel ministry as a calling, and the “call” to individuals to devote their lives to that ministry.

The Ministry as a Calling

When Jesus was closing his ministry on earth to take up his ministry in the heavenly sanctuary, he said to his disciples, “As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” John 20:21. Thus these men were made his ministers on earth. To them was committed the work of the gospel, which he “began both to do and teach.” Acts 1:1; Heb. 2:3. This shows that the same relationship exists between the ministry and the work of the gospel that Christ sustained to that work when here. Therefore the apostle Paul said: “Now then we are ambassadors of Christ, as though God did beseech you by us; we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” 2 Cor. 5:20.

The calling of the gospel ministry is a spiritual, sacred calling, as distinguished from the secular and professional vocations of men. The ministry is not a worldly, business affair. It is not like commerce, politics, law, medicine, etc. These are of the world, but the work of the ministry is from heaven, and pertains to the kingdom of God. It requires different qualifications and a different power than is required for the secular, professional vocations of the world. Men may practise law, medicine, and surgery with great success without even professing to be Christians. They may launch and manage vast business enterprises, and direct the affairs of a nation, without recognizing any need of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. But no man can do the work of the gospel successfully without the help of God. Any of the men who achieve such great success in the pursuits of the world would utterly fail in the work of the gospel if they relied only upon their learning, talents, and personality. The energies of the flesh are not sufficient for gospel work. They will fail entirely without the aid of the Holy Spirit.

The ministers of the gospel are to preach the gospel “with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven.” 1 Peter 1:12. Their message is to win men to Christ and save them from eternal death. There is nothing else like this work among all the vocations of the world.

And further: as the gospel is the greatest thing in the world, so the work of the gospel is the greatest and most important work being carried on by men. And as the gospel ministry is appointed to do that work, it is plain that the calling of the ministry is the highest and most important of all the callings and vocations pursued by men.

The Call to the Ministry

In view of the fact that the work of the gospel is God’s work, not man’s, and that it is sacred and spiritual, requiring righteousness and spiritual power for its advancement, who may venture to enter upon it? and by what considerations and conditions may one feel clear in so doing?

While the Bible does not give a prescribed formula to guide us in this important matter, the incidents of men’s lives and experiences it contains show plainly that the Lord does call certain men from among the multitudes to his work. The call does not come in precisely the same form to all who are called, but it comes, and is, in time, accompanied by unmistakable evidence that it is from God. First, there is the direct, impressive call. This comes without any suggestion or influence from men. It lays hold of one’s conscience and holds him with an unyielding grip until he surrenders to it, and promises God to be obedient to the heavenly calling.

The call to Moses was of this direct kind. It was not the counsel of Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses, that caused him to feel that he must take up the work of God. Nor was it the suffering condition of Israel in Egypt that led him to leave his flock in the wilderness, and devote the remainder of his life to the great Exodus that was to take place. It was the voice of God speaking to him from the burning bush, and in this case unmistakable evidence was given to Moses on the spot that he was not being misled in the matter. Exodus 3 and 4.

The experience of Samuel is another illustration of this direct call. It was not Eli who convinced Samuel that he must devote his life to the service of God. 1 Sam. 3:7-21. Gideon received a direct, definite call, and was given assurance that the call was from a superhuman source. Judges 6:11-40. When Jeremiah was made conscious of his call to the work of the Lord, he was told that even before his birth, he had been ordained to this work. Jer. 1:5. All are familiar with the direct call that was given to Saul of Tarsus. The call given him was so impressive that he said, “Wo is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” He often alluded to this call as most comforting and assuring, while enduring his great trials of suffering and affliction. Acts 22:12-15; 26:13-19.

Another call, less direct, but nevertheless a clear call, is that based upon the great needs of the lost. In this call it is not so much a voice that is heard saying, “Go work to-day in my vineyard,” as it is a cry of the lost, saying, “Come over, . . . and help us.” This mute appeal has laid hold of many a man, leading him to consecrate his whole life to the work of God.

There is still another way in which the call comes to men to enter the ministry. It is the conviction that comes to men already in the ministry, and to lay members as well, that certain brethren in the church ought to give their lives to the work of the gospel. This appears to be the only evidence some men who have become able ministers have had, at the beginning of their work, that they were called to it by the Lord. Acting upon the urgent counsels of others, they gave their lives to the work and enjoyed signal success.

But in whatever way the call may come, every one who is called should give good, convincing evidence of his call. “Give full proof of thy ministry,” was Paul’s counsel to Timothy. Success in winning souls to Christ should attend the labors of all who are truly called to the work of the gospel ministry. The fruit gathered year by year from the earnest toil of the minister will be proof to others that his claim to a call to the ministry is genuine. This was the evidence Paul gave of his call. He said: “Are not ye my work in the Lord? . . . For the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.” 1 Cor. 9:1, 2.

Every gospel worker should give this proof of his call to the ministry. The church has the right to look for this evidence. The worker himself should look for it, and should never be satisfied without seeing it. He is called to save men, not merely to preach to them. The converting power of God should attend his preaching, making him a soul-winning laborer for the Master.

A. G. DANIELLS.