A Holy Calling

Ever think about what a calling is? Both Christians and non-Christians alike sometimes refer to their career, volunteer work, role, or purpose in their family or social group as a calling. One worldly formula is GIFTS + PASSION + VALUES = CALLING. But as followers of Jesus, how do we understand what it means to be called? Our theme for the 2026 Texas District Gathering is CALLED, drawn from a single verse penned by the Apostle Paul in his final letter to Timothy, a young pastor whom he has mentored. In 2 Timothy 1:9, Paul writes: “He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began." In this single verse, Paul both proclaims the gospel while grounding for us what it means to be called.

Paul begins this verse by articulating that calling cannot be separated from the gospel. Paul writes, “He has saved us and called us... ” Our call flows from God’s grace that we have received and not the other way around. No one is called because they have earned it, proved themselves, or have the right credentials. As Paul writes, “not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace. ” How often do we look at our past mistakes, our lack of training or experience, or our fear of failure and conclude that God must be calling someone else? But God’s Word is clear: the call has nothing to do with our works, but rests solely on God's own purpose and grace. God delights in calling ordinary, unfinished people and equipping them as he sends them.

While God starts by calling ordinary people, Paul points out that the call itself is a “holy calling." The word “holy” is often translated as “set apart; consecrated or dedicated to the Lord.” When God calls an ordinary person to Kingdom service, the call is not merely a career path or volunteer activity that matches their personality or brings them a sense of self-fulfillment. Understood biblically, God’s call is a sacred setting apart for Kingdom purposes. God calls people to all different kinds of mission and ministry, both in our ordinary, day-to-day life as well as out into new mission fields that will stretch our faith.

So, what does this mean for us? I   believe that this is a reminder to pay close attention to what God is up to. Ask, “God, what are you up to in my life? How are you calling me to be set apart for particular Kingdom service?” And, this is also a call to pray for God to stir up in others as well. The church can and should be a place where we pray for, encourage, and equip one another to take the steps needed to faithfully respond to how God is calling us.

Friends, God is still calling people of faith into Kingdom service, just as he always has. May we help one another recognize and respond in faith to his holy calling according to his purpose and grace.

Pastor Bryce Formwait is the Director of Mission Growth for LCMC Texas District and Program Director of Harvest Workers, an online ministry training program (learn more at www. harvestworkers, net). Residing in Georgetown, Pastor Bryce is available to coach congregations on mission. Please contact him with any questions or comments: 512-942-7776 or bryce@Jcmctexas.org. © 2024 Bryce J. Formwait, All Rights Reserved. Reprinted with permission.