When Christ Lives in Us: We Are Called
I suspect most people think being called only applies to pastors. That is understandable since in the church at large we have been pretty irresponsible, (in my judgment), with the concept of being called only being used when we talk about pastors. We have pigeon-holed the concept of being called as a professional, vocational term that applies to clergy. That has been a mistake.
It is true that a pastor who does not have a sense of being called by God is very, very likely not meant to be a pastor serving a church. I know of more cases than I want to remember of young men and women who were told by their churches that they would make good pastors but really weren’t called by God. The result was always painful, disillusioning and heartbreaking for all concerned.
Having said this, it is important to acknowledge our narrow understanding of being called being mainly for pastors has greatly impoverished the life of too many congregations. The simple and powerful truth is we are all called by Christ. For far too long we in the church have forgotten that membership in a church is at heart an institutional concept. The Body of Christ is not an institution but a living body – with Christ as the Head. Being called is a term of discipleship. We are all called to be disciples of the Lord of Life.
Both terms, membership and discipleship are expressions of a relationship. Membership implies a status and the benefits and responsibilities that come with that status. Discipleship refers to a much different “status” – one that expects service, obedience, trust, and growth. If member is the word for membership, then follower (or as I prefer, student) is the word for discipleship. Membership is about who we are. Discipleship is about who we are becoming.
In our sermon tomorrow, I will be exploring what it means for all of us to be called by Christ as His disciples.
Grace and Peace, John