By the Rev. Philip Zielinski

Is God calling me to be a pastor in His church, or should I be content to serve Him and His people in my current vocation? Perhaps this is your question. It may take many forms and there may be many variations, but time and time again those considering the Office of the Ministry search for assurance that they should be a pastor. You are not the first to grapple with this dilemma. God willing you will not be the last for “the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.”

For some it seems so easy, as if they were born to be pastors. Their knowledge is so great and their devotion so genuine. There could be no doubt that God is calling them to be a pastor. But while they in glory shine, you feebly struggle with the call. Well take heart, your struggle does not hang upon the scales of blessing and curse or of approval and disapproval. Discerning God’s calling for you to be a pastor is a labor of love and is filled with His grace.

God graciously gives you wonderful gifts as you consider serving the church as a pastor. He gives you the gift of prayer where you can boldly and confidently ask for wisdom in this decision. God gives you the gift of your family, pastor, and brothers and sisters in Christ who also pray for you and who are not afraid to join you in your struggle. Jesus gives you His Holy Spirit, the Spirit of wisdom and truth, to direct your thoughts and ways. You have the gift of the Church where you hear all God’s promises, where you receive the forgiveness of all yours sins, and where you are made alive again from the death of sin. These are God’s gifts and promises to you . . . they bring forgiveness, life, and salvation. Perhaps He is calling you so others may receive these gifts through you, His servant.

Why do you want to serve God’s people as a pastor? Who is encouraging you to come to the seminary and for what reasons? Has God blessed you with compassion for others and a desire to bring them God’s Word and Sacraments? Do you feel humbled in your contemplation? Do you consider yourself worthy solely on account of Jesus’ righteousness? Dear brother, these are godly questions. They are the questions of one whose faith is fixed on Jesus and whose care and concern is for the soul of his neighbor.

It is a blessed calling to consider being a pastor. God has blessed you with those around you who are encouraging and praying for you. As you become a pastor, or as you decide to remain where you are, God will continue to surround you with those whom you can love and serve in His Name. Come visit us here at Concordia Theological Seminary and be surrounded by those who have been where you are and have answered the call. God’s blessings on your Pilgrimage!

The Rev. Philip Zielinski serves as an Admission Counselor at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

From Volume 10, Issue 1, Winter 2007