Still calling
I couldn’t resist using the image to the left for this week. It has little to do with the content of the sermon but it is a nostalgic picture for me. I don’t remember us having a phone exactly like that one but ours was very, very close.
This week’s sermon is not a new subject for me to address. I have spoken more than once before about being called. It might say more about me than I would like, but I can’t remember preaching specifically about the continuous, so to say, nature of God’s call to us. If I have preached on it before, consider this a reinforcement of the earlier message(s).
I was hoping to help us think about how we are all called. A “call” isn’t limited to Jesus’ disciples, apostles, missionaries, or ministry giants; we are all called. Full stop. What is more, we are enabled to respond to this call before the call is made and then we are enabled and called again when the next thing we need to do comes up. God doesn’t call us once and leave us to figure out the rest of what we should do on our own. God is with us each step of the way and provides whatever we need to keep moving.
“Still calling” St. Mark’s Presbyterian (to download, right-click and select “Save Link As . . .”)
Zoom provided an interesting addition to the recording this week, namely an AI summary. The following is what it came up with for the sermon. If you are so inclined, let me know what you think of it.
Christian Calling and Missionary Work
AI summary of today’s sermon
The meeting involved a discussion on religious themes, primarily focusing on the concept of calling in Christianity. The speaker also pointed out instances of missionaries being called to spread the word, and they stressed the importance of responding to these calls.
Finding God’s Call in Soft Voices
However, they realized that their actual calling was to be an academic administrator and a teacher. Barry emphasized that God’s call is not always dramatic or obvious, often coming in a soft voice that requires us to listen attentively.
Barry’s Journey From Bible College to Ministry
Barry shared their journey from attending a Bible college to becoming an academic administrator and teacher. They emphasized their understanding that God’s call is not just to big things, but also to things that can become big. Barry also expressed their humble opinion that the only measure of success in ministry isn’t numerical growth, but being faithful to the call one has received. They shared their current role of using their experience and creativity to open up scripture in a new way to their congregation.
Importance of Treating Others Well and Responding to God’s Call
They highlighted the importance of treating others well, even if they cannot offer immediate benefits, asserting that this approach often leads to better outcomes. Barry stressed that God’s call is not a one-time event, but a continuous journey towards becoming the best version of oneself. They encouraged listeners to recognize and respond to their own unique calls.
Blessings,
