How do we know God calls individuals for ministry?

The call to ministry is a significant divine act where the Holy Spirit personally selects individuals for specific tasks. In Acts 13, the Holy Spirit directs the church to separate Barnabas and Saul for the work He has called them to. This indicates that His calling is not initiated by the church or the individuals themselves but by God's sovereign will. The call is accompanied by a sense of purpose and preparation, underscoring the necessity of being spiritually gifted and empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill the ministry duties assigned. The act of fasting and prayer reflects the church’s reliance on and commitment to seeking God’s guidance in these crucial matters.