“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:10
Bible Verses About Being Called To Ministry
Genesis 12:1 – God called Abram to leave his country and family to go to a land He would show him.
“Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.'” – Genesis 12:1
Exodus 3:10 – God commissions Moses to lead His people out of Egypt.
“Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” – Exodus 3:10
Isaiah 6:8 – God asks who He should send, and Isaiah responds willingly.
“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here I am! Send me.'” – Isaiah 6:8
Matthew 28:19-20 – Jesus commands us to go and make disciples of all nations.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” – Matthew 28:19-20
1 Peter 2:9 – We are called a royal priesthood, chosen to proclaim God’s praises.
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” – 1 Peter 2:9
Romans 10:14-15 – Describes the beauty of those who preach the gospel.
“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” – Romans 10:14-15
Ephesians 4:11-12 – God gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, and shepherds to equip the saints.
“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” – Ephesians 4:11-12
2 Timothy 1:9 – We are called according to His purpose and grace.
“Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.” – 2 Timothy 1:9
Philippians 3:14 – Paul presses toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God.
“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:14
Hebrews 3:1 – We are called to consider Jesus, our High Priest.
“Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession.” – Hebrews 3:1
1 Thessalonians 5:24 – Faithful is He who calls you.
“He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:24
2 Corinthians 5:18 – God has reconciled us and entrusted us with the ministry of reconciliation.
“All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” – 2 Corinthians 5:18
Colossians 4:17 – Paul encourages us to fulfill our ministry.
“And say to Archippus, ‘See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.'” – Colossians 4:17
Acts 20:24 – Paul emphasizes completing the ministry entrusted to him by the Lord.
“But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus.” – Acts 20:24
Mark 16:15 – Jesus instructs us to preach the gospel to every creature.
“And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'” – Mark 16:15
Jeremiah 1:5 – God knew us before we were formed, setting us apart.
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.'” – Jeremiah 1:5
1 John 3:16 – We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for others.
“By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” – 1 John 3:16
Luke 4:18 – Jesus speaks of being anointed to proclaim good news.
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.” – Luke 4:18
Matthew 5:14 – We are called to be the light of the world.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” – Matthew 5:14
James 1:12 – Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life.
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” – James 1:12
Romans 1:1 – Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, was called to be an apostle.
“Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God.” – Romans 1:1
Titus 1:5 – Paul left Titus in Crete to put what remained into order and appoint elders.
“This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order and appoint elders in every town as I directed you.” – Titus 1:5
Philippians 1:6 – He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion.
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:6
2 Corinthians 6:1 – We are workers with God, not to receive God’s grace in vain.
“Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.” – 2 Corinthians 6:1
Psalm 78:70-72 – God chose David and appointed him to shepherd His people.
“He chose David his servant and took him from the sheep folds; from following the nursing ewes he brought him to shepherd his people Jacob, Israel, his inheritance.” – Psalm 78:70-72
2 Timothy 4:2 – Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season.
“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” – 2 Timothy 4:2
2 Chronicles 7:14 – If my people humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear them.
“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14
John 15:16 – Jesus chose us to bear fruit.
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide.” – John 15:16
Matthew 9:37-38 – Jesus tells us to pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers.
“Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'” – Matthew 9:37-38
Galatians 1:15-16 – God called Paul from his mother’s womb and revealed his Son in him.
“But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me.” – Galatians 1:15-16
Revelation 17:14 – The Lamb is called the Lord of Lords and King of Kings.
“They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.” – Revelation 17:14
Final Thoughts
Being called to ministry is a profound vocation that invites us to serve God and others. Each verse we’ve explored today emphasizes the importance of dedicating ourselves to sharing God’s love through our actions and words. Whether it’s through preaching, teaching, or simply being there for others, we have unique roles that contribute to His mission.
Remember, God prepares us for ministry through our experiences and His calling. I find comfort in the fact that He equips us with everything we need. Let us embrace our paths in ministry and be unwavering in our faith.
If you’re eager to learn more about the Bible’s guidance, don’t forget to check out our resources on sacrifice and explore joy in worship.