When I first felt “called” to ministry, I wasn’t sure what I was feeling or experiencing. I had a very clear knowing that God was calling me to serve him in the church; but I had no idea what that looked like or how it would work. Something that I’ve recently read and its nothing new, but it struck me as I’m meeting and talking with women frequently about their lives and their service to God, that there are different callings and I just want to touch on those in case you haven’t heard this for a while

There is the call to faith that is reflected in 1 Corinthians 1:26. This is a call to salvation. You definitely sense it, feel it or hear it in some way and have the choice to respond to it.

There is the call to minister. This is reflected in Hebrews 2:3-4 and 1 Corinthians 12:18. God is calling you to serve others, serve people, serve one another. This is also something you sense to be; others-oriented and to see your work as a minister to God; whether you are a wife, career woman or mom.

Then there is the call to ministry. This is reflected in Romans 1:1. This is more of a vocational call. You might discern a clear direction to a people group, church, mission or organization. This is full-out, life-long ministry. If you are called in this way, God will continue to pursue you, no matter what you do, no matter where you run. You will feel the holy discontent of not fitting unless you are in ministry.

When I first stepped into the glass slipper of ministry, I landed in the Kitchen Coordinator ministry position. I had applied for something else that was available. I wanted the bookstore/library position. I love research and reading and helping people learn to live into what God has created them for so working with books was just perfect FOR ME. Books have no problems and sit quietly on shelves, but, that isn’t where God wanted me. It was where I wanted me. I felt I had completely surrendered to what He wanted, so I just questioned His invitation for a day or so before saying a very loud and excited “YES!” And, let me tell you, I have said “yes” many times along the way and it has been an incredible adventure. I’ve been in ministry on our church staff for 14 years as Intern, Women's Pastor, First Impressions Pastor, Connections Pastor and now as Leadership Development Pastor, but look at where it all started. In the kitchen. It is a Cinderella story!

Helen Keller said, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” So, don’t be quick to say “no” to opportunities that might not look like what you first envisioned ministry should look like for you. Be open. Be daring. Be ready for an adventure. 1 Corinthians 6:19 says, “you are not your own”. Live like you know whose you are. Here are a few things I've learned in this adventure.

1. Make sure you have surrendered “your” ministry, your goals, your ideas, your way to His way. It helps ease any pain you might encounter later when things don’t work out exactly like you planned. Romans 12:1, “present your bodies a living sacrifice…”

2. Find a mentor or two. Ask a lot of questions of one who is older than you or has more experience in ministry. It is smart to find one who does not attend your church and will challenge your thinking.

3. Be respectful of everyone you work with. Be kind. Be gracious. You will not always want to be. You will find people who rub you the wrong way. You will come up against some who do not think you fit there. Be kind. Call it when you need to, but speak the truth in love.

4. Be inquisitive. Be a life-long learner. As you engage in ministry, take on learning opportunities that are outside your realm of immediate ministry or service through seminars and conferences. Stretch yourself.

5. Be vocal. Share your thoughts, your questions, your insights and your stories from your ministry and experience with your staff. Make suggestions. Share your opinion when the floor is open to you. Don’t let opportunities to speak and share your wisdom pass you by. Engage in the staff discussions.

6. Be bold and courageous. God did not give you a spirit of timidity. If He has called you, He has you there for a reason. Continue to discover it and live into it.

7. Assume the role you've been given. You’ve been given a role, a responsibility and the authority it carries. Don’t act like an admin, if you are not an admin. Don’t act like a lead pastor if you are not one.