A pastor's calling is confirmed through their life, character, and the message they preach, all of which should reflect God's grace and power.
The assurance that a pastor is called by God can be found in their life, characteristics, and the message they deliver. According to 2 Timothy 1:6-7, Paul reminds Timothy to stir up the gift of God given to him through the laying on of hands. The 'gift' here is significant and encompasses the God-given abilities and qualifications necessary for ministry. Furthermore, a true calling from God will manifest itself through a pastor's faithful preaching of the gospel, which should primarily center around Christ and His promises (2 Timothy 1:10).
Moreover, God empowers those He calls. As Paul encourages Timothy in verse 7, 'For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.' A pastor who preaches boldly, relying not on human wisdom, but on the spirit of God, can provide reassurance of their calling. This divine empowerment means that while they may face challenges and sufferings, they are not ashamed of the gospel, as Paul states in verse 8. Thus, the characteristics of spiritual maturity, a Christ-centered message, and the ability to endure hardships for the sake of the gospel are key indicators of a pastor called by God.
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