Bible Verses on Calling to Ministry

If you feel like you're called to ministry, you may wonder if that path is right for you. There is a great deal of responsibility associated with ministry work so this is not a decision to take lightly. A great way of helping make your decision is to compare what you're feeling to what the Bible has to say about ministry. This strategy for examining your heart is useful because it gives you insight into what it means to be a pastor or ministry leader. Here are some Bible verses on ministry to help:

Ministry is Work

Ministry isn't just sitting all day in prayer or reading your Bible, this job takes work. You have to get out and talk to people; you need to feed your own spirit; you minister to others, help out in communities, and more. 

Ephesians 4:11-13
Christ chose some of us to be apostles, prophets, missionaries, pastors, and teachers, so that his people would learn to serve and his body would grow strong. This will continue until we are united by our faith and by our understanding of the Son of God. Then we will be mature, just as Christ is, and we will be completely like him. (CEV)

2 Timothy 1:6-8
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. (NIV)

2 Corinthians 4:1
Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. (NIV)

2 Corinthians 6:3-4
We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry. In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. (NLT)

2 Chronicles 29:11
Let’s not waste any time, my friends. You are the ones who were chosen to be the Lord’s priests and to offer him sacrifices. (CEV)

Ministry is Responsibility

There is a great deal of responsibility in ministry. As a pastor or ministry leader, you are an example to others. People are looking to see what you do in situations because you are God's light to them. You need to be above reproach and yet approachable at the same time

1 Peter 5:3
Don’t be bossy to those people who are in your care, but set an example for them. (CEV)

Acts 1:8
But the Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you power. Then you will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and everywhere in the world. (CEV)

Hebrews 13:7
Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith. (NLT)

1 Timothy 2:7
For which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. (NKJV)

1 Timothy 6:20
O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge. (NKJV)

Hebrews 13:17
Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. (NIV)

2 Timothy 2:15
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. (NIV)

Luke 6:39
He also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit?" (NIV)

Titus 1:7
Church officials are in charge of God’s work, and so they must also have a good reputation. They must not be bossy, quick-tempered, heavy drinkers, bullies, or dishonest in business. (CEV)

Ministry Takes Heart

There are times that ministry work can get really hard. You will have to have a strong heart to face those times head on and do what you need to do for God.

2 Timothy 4:5
As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist,fulfill your ministry. (ESV)

1 Timothy 4:7
But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness. (NASB)

2 Corinthians 4:5
For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. (NIV)

Psalm 126:6
Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. (NIV)

Revelation 5:4
I cried hard because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or see inside it. (CEV)