SYLVESTER JESSE AMO-ESSEL
ASSIGNMENT 1
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PASTORAL CALLING
One of the most revered and significant roles in Christian ministry is the pastoral calling. It is
a divine mission that reflects God's desire for His people, not merely an office or job. I feel a
sense of obligation and reverence as I contemplate this calling. I am still figuring out exactly
how God is guiding me, but I am starting to sense that pastoral service might be a part of it.
This essay explores the biblical and theological significance of pastoral ministry, how my
cultural background influences my perception of the pastor's job, and how God might be
calling me into it.
The image of the shepherd serves as the foundation of pastoral service from both a biblical
and theological standpoint. Jesus refers to Himself as "the good shepherd" in John 10:11
(New International Version), giving His life to protect the sheep. This metaphor is rich with
meaning; it embodies protection, care, direction, and selfless love. From a theological
perspective, pastoral ministry entails representing Christ to His people. A pastor is someone
who walks alongside individuals on their spiritual journeys, providing loving direction,
support, and correction. They are more than mere preachers or church leaders. "So Christ
himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors, and the teachers, to
educate his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up" (NIV) is
how Paul articulates this in Ephesians 4:11-12. This verse clearly indicates that the goal of
pastoral ministry is to equip people and strengthen the church, rather than to pursue fame or
prestige.
In my own experience, I did not originally embrace the concept of becoming a pastor.
Despite my admiration for pastors, I never imagined myself as one. However, as time went
on, I noticed a growing desire to help people, particularly with spiritual issues. I began to
sense that God was using me to bring His presence into people's lives, whether through
leading small group studies, giving friends advice, or simply praying with someone in need.
These encounters served as subtle but consistent reminders to pursue pastoral service.
Additionally, I felt an inexplicable sense of excitement and purpose when speaking or
teaching Scripture. Those moments made me realize that pastoral ministry might be a
vocation I was destined to follow rather than merely a position I admired.
The Art of Pastoring (2012) by David Hansen struck a profound chord with me during this
introspective period. "We are humans being with people in such a way that Christ is present
in their life; we are not primarily professionals doing a job," argues Hansen (p. 23). This
concept resonated with me. The idea of just being there, as Christ would be, is profound in
my setting, where individuals frequently carry silent burdens and feel alone in their
challenges. I was reminded by Hansen's focus on incarnational ministry that pastoral work is
about being the hands and feet of Christ in everyday life, not about power or prestige.
My understanding of the pastoral calling has been significantly shaped by my cultural
background. In Ghana, where I grew up, pastors are seen as social activists, community
leaders, and counselors in addition to being spiritual leaders. In addition to guiding families,
helping the impoverished, and speaking on moral concerns, they are supposed to be active in
their congregation members' private and public lives. Because of this multifaceted position,
pastoral ministry in my setting is comprehensive; in addition to preaching, it also entails
youth mentoring, visiting the ill, settling conflicts, and promoting justice. Even though this
can be daunting, I find it exciting because it shows how involved the pastor is in the lives of
those they serve. It challenges me to consider the pastor as someone who embodies the gospel
in both word and behavior, rather than merely as a church employee.
However, I am also conscious that this position carries a lot of responsibility. It calls for
profound humility, emotional fortitude, and spiritual maturity. Although I do not yet claim to
possess all of these, I am receptive to God molding me via formal education, mentoring, and
life experiences. In my opinion, God equips when He calls. I am learning to have faith in
God's time and preparedness as I keep praying and seeking guidance. I am certain that the
core of pastoral work—loving people, teaching them the truth, and leading them to Christ—
will always be a part of my calling, regardless of whether I choose to serve as a full-time
pastor or in another capacity.
In conclusion, the pastoral calling is significant because it reflects the ministry of Christ. It is
an exhortation to lead with humility, teach with conviction, and serve with compassion.
Though my discernment process is still ongoing, I am coming to understand the sacred
weight of this calling through Scripture, my own experience, and voices like Hansen's. Being
a faithful steward of God's people and His Word is the goal of pastoral service, not fame or
authority. It is a calling that transforms, humbles, and ultimately exalts God.
References
Hansen, D. (2012). *The art of pastoring: Ministry without all the answers* (Rev. ed.).
InterVarsity Press.
New International Version. (2011). *The Holy Bible*. Biblica, Inc.
