[1]KANSAS CITY, Mo. (BP)–Is God calling you to vocational Christian service? In a newly published booklet from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Don Whitney, associate professor of spiritual formation, helps Christians answer that question by offering a biblical look at God’s call to Christian ministry.
In the 42-page booklet, “Answering the Call: Examining God’s Call to Christian Vocational Service,” Whitney explains the “twin features” of God’s call.
“God’s call to preach His Word is much more than a personal spiritual experience,” writes Whitney, who is also the author of “Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life.” “When God calls a man to the Gospel ministry He calls him both internally and externally.”
In the featured chapter of the booklet, Whitney also explains that God’s call to Christian vocational ministry is also a call to prepare.
“Would you want a physician who’d had no preparation? Preparation is even more important for a physician of souls,” Whitney writes. “Develop your spiritual disciplines, especially those of the Word and prayer. Devote yourself to your local church. Find a place to teach there. Study the Bible and theology as much as you can. Seriously consider enrolling in a solid seminary.”
Also included in the booklet are chapters by other Midwestern professors devoted to helping God-called men and women pursue seminary training.
[2]The booklet also includes:
— “What You’ll Learn At Seminary,” a chapter by Thorvald Madsen, Midwestern’s vice president of academic development, who looks at key areas of biblical training offered at seminary and why they are necessary for those called to ministry.
— “Why Go To Seminary,” a chapter by Alan Branch, vice president of student development, who presents a list of common objections to attending seminary, with responses to each.
— “How Do I Finance My Education?” a chapter by N.S.R.K. Ravi, vice president of business services/institutional advancement, who offers biblical advice about financial stewardship and common ways students pay for seminary training.
The free booklet is available by contacting Midwestern Seminary at 1-800-944-MBTS or online at http://www.mbts.edu/called.
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