What is a Call?

At Family of Christ, a "Call" refers to the formal process by which a church and/or school invites a pastor, teacher, or other church worker to serve in a specific ministry role. It is an essential part of our theology and practice of church leadership, emphasizing that ministry is not just a job or a position, but a divine vocation of Spiritual servant leadership.

Here are some key points about a "Call":

• Divine Call: The call is considered an act of God, where the Holy Spirit works through the church and its leadership to appoint individuals to ministry. The individual being called is seen as responding to God's will for their life and ministry.
• Process: The process often involves church and school leadership (e.g., a Call/Search Team) prayerfully considering candidates for a role. The candidates may be pastors, principals, teachers, directors, or other church workers. The Call/Search Team interviews and deliberates, and when they are in agreement, the church extends a call to the person they believe God is directing them to.
• Acceptance of the Call: The person being Called must prayerfully consider whether they accept the Call. In some cases, they may be Called to a new ministry location or position, and they may feel a sense of duty and obedience to the Lord's will in accepting the role.
• Theological Significance: We view the Call as an important means through which God works in His church. It is believed that the Call is both a privilege and a responsibility. Those who accept a Call are seen as ordained or commissioned by God to serve in their specific roles for the building up of the body of Christ.
• Call Status: People who are currently serving in a Called position can be Called by another church and/or school, at which point the person being Called will pray and discern where God is leading them in their ministry.

So, for us at Family of Christ, this is a spiritual and formal process that brings people into service within our church and school, emphasizing the divine guidance behind the decision and the importance of serving God's people faithfully.

Family of Christ is part of the LCMS!