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Questions about: What is a Calling?

Jaime: (05/26/00) Hi Jack, I am 19 and have a real passion to spread the word of God. I have been praying and asking the Lord if He is calling me to become a missionary. I'm not sure where to start. I have been attending different churches to see which I think pertains most to God personally, so I don't really have "my own church". I say this because I don't have anyone I can specifically ask this question to. I'm going to Urbana in December and I really feel a passion but all in all just don't know where to start.

Thanks Jack
Sincerely Jaime


Jack: Thanks, Jaime, for your note. It is privilege to hear from someone who has "a real passion to spread the word of God." May your tribe increase!

As you continue to ask God if He is calling you to be a "missionary," I'm sure one day He will answer you. However, I imagine you mean by "missionary" one who has a specific call to a concrete "mission," and most probably in a cross-cultural context. On the other hand, all of us Christians have a mission, and this is to love and serve God as He guides us to, and part of this is to do what you are doing, spread His Word. As you continue to serve Him, you will find that some aspects of this service give you a greater sense of satisfaction than others. You'll also find you have gifts that develop and will enable you to be more fruitful. This satisfaction and giftedness are indications of God's leading, the reason He made you.

I would encourage you to identify with a local congregation, which will become "your own church." You need the discipline of sticking with a group of Christians over a period of time, learning what it is like to participate in the Body of Christ, and also have a place where you can exercise your spiritual gifts. Don't wait until you have found the perfect Church. You never will (and if you do, as one wag put it, don't join it or you'll spoil it!).

Going to Urbana will stretch you in many ways, and I trust the experience will nurture your passion for evangelism and also expose you to different ways that you can channel your energies for the Kingdom.

See you there!

Jack

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