A couple times in my life, especially when my fellowship with God wasn't broken, I have sort of "felt" like I was being moved to become a pastor. I've been told to do so one must be "called" and yet I've never had a clear definition of just what that means. I certainly feel in my heart and with my knowledge of the Word that I could do it.
Pastors are born pastors just as teachers are born teachers. Do not confuse the system of the pulpit for pastoral call. Real pastors care for people and are not usually found in the clergy. I have known real pastors in the clergy, of course, but the vast majority who call themselves pastors are actually teachers, preachers, worship leaders or administrators.
When I say pastors are born pastors, I am talking about one's natural temperament. In 1 Cor. 12 we have these verses:
1Co 12:4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
1Co 12:5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
1Co 12:6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
We see gifts, which are natural temperaments; we see administrations, or offices; and we see operations of the Spirit which is what the rest of the chapter addresses.
The administrations or offices are listed in Ephesians 4:11 and the gifts or natural temperaments are listed in Romans 12:6-8. Obviously there will be overlapping in all three areas. In my case my natural temperament is a prophetic teacher. I was born with these gifts and tendencies. I have operated in the gifts of the Holy Spirit in various ways and have taught Sunday School classes to exercise the office of a teacher.
However, I am not involved with the professional clergy. I have taught gymnastics my entire adult life. I came to Christ when I was 32 and thought I should be in the professional clergy. I fasted and prayed for a Word from God on what His calling was in my life. In church a prophecy was given to me that I should teach the Bible. I thought, Great, but how do I make my living? I came home from coaching one day and lay on my bed exhausted. With my eyes closed I had a mental image of Jesus in a long white robe running down a rod platform performing a round off, back handspring, back layout. I thought that was the most ridiculous thing I had ever seen. Then I saw the face of the Lord (my eyes were still closed and this was in my mind's eye) smiling at me. Then I heard Him speak to my heart, Keep teaching gymnastics, it is good for children.
I share my own story as an example. If you already have a heart of mercy and compassion and tend to exhort and encourage people, you already are a pastor. The question you have, of course, is Can you make your living doing this? For that answer, you have to hear from God for your self. Be encouraged, He will answer and you will know.
Post Script one day later
While chapter 7 of 1 Corinthians is answering questions about marriage, the principals therein apply to work as well. Consider what Paul says:
1Co 7:19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.
1Co 7:20 Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.
1Co 7:27 Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.
1Co 7:29 But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;
1Co 7:30 And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;
1Co 7:31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.
And from Philippians, Timothy and Hebrews:
Php_4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
1Ti_6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
Heb_13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Just as singles should not seek spouses, do not seek to enter the professional ministry, be content in what you already are doing, and if God wants you to move forward, He will bring that spouse or ministry to you.
