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Finding and Following Your God-Given Calling

  1. Lesson One
    Introduction and Definitions
    8 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  2. Lesson Two
    The Calling Process: Preparation
    7 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  3. Lesson Three
    The Calling Process: Discernment
    7 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  4. Lesson Four
    The Calling Process: Living Out Your Calling
    7 Activities
    |
    1 Assessment
  5. Course Wrap-Up
    Course Completion
    2 Activities

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Share your response to the following question.

This activity supports learning objective 3.

Christian Learning Center › Forums › How do Dr. Ward’s definitions of leadership, ministry, and calling compare with your own?

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  • Tom Jones

    Member
    06/11/2025 at 19:11

    <strong data-start=”231″ data-end=”281″>Leadership, Calling, and the Heart of Ministry

    In life, people generally fall into two categories: leaders and followers. Not every follower is meant to be a leader, and not everyone who calls themselves a leader truly is one. Real leadership isn’t about a title or position — it’s about the ability to influence and connect with others toward a shared purpose. If you’re not doing that, you’re not leading. You may be following — or simply walking alone.

    Likewise, ministry is not just about doing church work or serving in a formal role. To minister is to live out your calling in service to others. Your calling is the purpose God wrote into your life before you were even born (Psalm 139:16–17). You were intentionally designed — your intellect, physical abilities, talents, and spiritual gifts — to fulfill a specific part of His plan.

    Much of life is a journey of discovering that calling — uncovering why you’re here and what God has destined you to do. Once you discover it, the next step is to walk in it. That’s ministry.

    Yes, there is a general call to serve Christ — to love, give, and support His work in the world. But there is also a specific calling for each of us — a divine assignment uniquely fitted to who we are. It is in walking out that personal calling that you’ll find deep fulfillment, and as you do, others will be encouraged, strengthened, and blessed through your obedience.

    True leadership and authentic ministry are not about platforms or applause. They are about purpose — lived out in service to others, for the glory of God.

    • Julie Chambers

      Member
      06/28/2025 at 11:43

      I was trying to respond to @TomJones but I think this is going to the general inbox. VERY well said, brother!! I appreciate everybody’s input on this subject. It really helps to give me a different perspective.

      When I was in High School I went to a basketball camp. There were several schools and I was overwhelmed with social anxiety and fear. As a shy, tall, gangly girl I was plenty comfortable to just warm the bench. However, one evening we were all gathered for some kind of lecture 😂. As it started getting late and people were getting restless, my coach started hinting that he wanted someone to step up and dismiss the group. I KNEW what he was asking, but I was too timid to step into the role. He was trying to inspire leadership. I KNEW it, yet I refused the calling. Now that I am in my 50s, I’m finally seeing that GOD is calling me to lead. I’m not sure what that looks like for me, which is why I signed up for this course. I am SO excited to see life unfold as God removes the veil from my eyes and I can see what I was made for!

  • Howard Minett

    Member
    06/11/2025 at 12:01

    Dr. Ward’s definitions definitely resonated with me. Not that i had previously defined them. The one aspect that i am still struggling with is the externality of the calling. I am looking forward to learning more about that.

  • Frances Hudson

    Member
    06/11/2025 at 11:32

    I have held the belief that anyone who has influence can lead so I agree with Dr.Wards definition. Ministry for believers is wherever they are planted. Calling is a knowing you have been set apart for something God wants you to complete by His design.

  • Kristye Lynch

    Member
    06/11/2025 at 10:09

    I always felt that I was called to be a 911 operator, which I did for 22 years. Now, I am retired, live in the country with a husband, 2 dogs and a garden. My life is very different now but I still hope God has another calling for me. Watching Dr. Ward’s video has shown me that I should always expect the unexpected from God. “A calling” isn’t always something that involves saving lives and helping others in need of medical or police assistance. After watching Dr. Ward, it occurs to me that the coffee group that I started with other ladies in my community in order to aid another who had a diagnosis of Dementia get out of her house and have conversations with other women might be a form of “calling”.

  • Brady Schneider

    Member
    06/11/2025 at 07:32

    Defining leadership as influence and not necessarily your “position” or “role” is a powerful way to reevaluate everything that you do.

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