I Think I'm Called to Ministry. What Should I Know First?
Count the cost. Ministry is the most fulfilling thing you'll ever do, and the hardest. Ministry requires a calling. If you're not called by God, don't do it.
Count the cost. Ministry is the most fulfilling thing you'll ever do, and the hardest. Ministry requires a calling. If you're not called by God, don't do it.
My goal here isn't to discourage anyone from doing ministry. If you're called by God, then by all means do it. I absolutely love ministry! Couldn't do anything else and wouldn't want to. But let me be real for a moment… ministry is also brutal. Ministry can look flashy and fun when all you see are the lights, the stage and the social media posts.
What the Bible says
Jesus told us to count the cost before following Him (Luke 14:28–33). Paul said, "Necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!" (1 Corinthians 9:16 ESV). Paul had to preach. He was compelled, bound to his calling.
1. There's a cost to your reputation. To stand on Scripture and call people to repent has never been a popular message. Don't be shocked when following Jesus causes people to hate you too. Get really good at speaking the truth in love. Grace without truth is meaningless, and truth without grace is mean. "Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets" (Luke 6:26 ESV).
2. There's a cost to your pride. If you're in ministry, you have to take the high road way more than you "should" (Luke 6:27–29). You won't always get to share your side or defend yourself. Remember that we don't deserve His grace either. His call is to lay down your life and be the servant of all.
3. There's an emotional cost. One minute you'll think you're God's gift to all. Not long after that, someone will say something hurtful and you'll wonder how God could pick someone as messed up as you. You can't let people's praise get in your heart, and you have to fight to keep their critiques out of your head. Your identity and validation have to come from God alone.
4. There's a relational cost. To really help people, you have to let them get close, and that opens you up to being hurt. Judas kissed Jesus on the cheek and then betrayed Him. As much as you pour out, you better have some people pouring into you. Get a couple of mentors and truly value them.
You might be thinking…
"Is it really worth it?" I once asked one of my mentors, Pastor Daniel, that exact question. He looked at me and said, "That's a bad question. Whether or not ministry is worth it, I don't know. But Jesus is. There is no cost too high for Him."
"How do I know if I'm really called?" Pray, serve where you are now, and ask the leaders who know you best what they see. A calling is usually confirmed by faithfulness in small things (Luke 16:10) and by others who recognize God's hand on you.
Next step
Before you make any big moves, talk to your pastor. Ask them to help you take a next step: serve on a team, lead a group, or join an internship. The cost may be high, but obedience to Jesus is always worth it!
Related questions
Luke 14:28–33; 1 Corinthians 9:16; Luke 6:26–29; Mark 10:43–45; Luke 16:10