The Two Sides of Calling

Throughout Scripture, we can identify two categories that calling fits into: General Calling and Specific Calling. Both are equally important and needed for the work of God’s kingdom. Let’s explore them together.

General Calling

Scripture informs us that we all share in the general calling – that is, to be a Christian witness. We see this outlined by Jesus through the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.

The Great Commandment

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind ... Love your neighbour as yourself” (Matt 22:37-9 ). “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Mic 6:8).

The Great Commission

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matt 28:19-20).

The New Testament promotes the idea of “the priesthood of all believers”. This is the concept of every Christ-follower having equal access to God and every Christ-follower having equal opportunity to be actively involved in ministry. It’s not for the chosen few – we are all called to come alongside others and share the love of Jesus with the lost, the last, and the least.

To live out the gospel, to reveal the kingdom of God, to partner with God, to bring hope, restoration, and bring healing – this is the general calling to ministry we all share and outwork in our daily lives as followers of Christ.