Dispatch.10.1.2022

Calling -- such a confusing and complex word

Photo by Emily Morter on Unsplash

Last week I let our team know that my long-time office leader, Tracy, and executive assistant is stepping off the team. I shared with the team that she has been my right hand and at times, my left hand, for a long time. She embodies many unique gifts and talents, but what I cherish most about Tracy is how she models being Holy Spirit-led. Tracy brought so much wisdom and insight and is a gift to Robin, me, and our team. She has a powerful calling in her life, and I am so excited to see how she carries that calling into this next season of her life. Tracy, we will miss you so much!

Calling -- such a confusing and complex word. I recently read something from Jeff Henderson, author of What to Do Next, and I thought I would share it with you.

It’s helpful to understand two important distinctions about a calling.

Some callings are for a lifetime. Some callings are for a season.

I’m called to a lifetime of pastoring people. I was called to a season of pastoring at Buckhead Church.

I’m called to a lifetime of following Jesus. I was called to a season of pastoring at Gwinnett Church.

There’s a difference in those callings.

Before I made the decision to leave the church, my counselor reminded me, “Your calling goes with you. You aren’t leaving it behind. It will be in a different context but it will look the same.”

In these two short years, I have seen her words come to life over and over again. For example, I want to encourage business leaders and to be a pastor to pastors. 

That’s a new, seasonal calling but it’s built on a lifetime of one. I write this not to encourage pastors in our email community to leave. I write this to free you from the “calling guilt” some may throw your way.

Eventually, every calling at a specific church comes to an end. Some callings are for a season. Some callings last a lifetime.

It’s helpful not to get the two confused.

Some callings are for a lifetime. Some callings are for a season. It’s helpful not to get the two confused.

This thought might be really helpful for you. I know it was a great reminder for me. It reminds me of nearly sixteen years ago when God called us to a new season here at Life.Church. For this to be a reality, God had to close a chapter and season at Fellowship Church. My lifetime calling to follow Jesus came with me to Life.Church, as well as some other lifetime callings that I have.

Sorting out lifetime callings and seasonal callings is an important process for us to make sure we find ourselves aligned as well as postured to follow Jesus. Confusing a seasonal calling as a lifetime calling could be a tool our enemy may use to keep us from a new chapter God has for us. 

Regarding calling, Tyler Stanton delivered a powerful message on this topic right out of the book of Ephesians, chapter 4. I’m telling you, this message will blow your mind and bless your soul. Be prepared to press pause a lot and take notes. Tyler is a brilliant communicator and a fantastic teacher. 

Ephesians 4v1-28: Immeasurably More: Vocation Watch

If you want to know more than work, but vocation…you have to overcome at least these two things. First, the temptation to compartmentalize your life. Second, the definition of success that was handed to you by someone other than Jesus.  - Tyler Stanton

Lord, may we honor you and steward our vocation in a way that is pleasing to you. Lord, may we be reminded that the same Spirit and power that filled Bezalel and David for vocation lives in us. - Amen

As a bonus, I wanted to share a message from Tim Mackie called Paradise Now. Tim, a brilliant biblical scholar takes a journey through the Bible and pulls out a beautiful picture of prayer. He helps us see that there are huckleberries all around. Make time this week to watch this message. 

Until next time.