Article

3 Vital Components of Calling 

Scotty Smith

Discerning whether you are called to be a church planter is a challenge not to be taken lightly. Let me share with you three vital components of calling. 

How do we discern our calling to be church planters, whether individually or those praying about their calling?  

Let me share with you three vital components of calling. 

1. Aspiration. Think of it as your internal calling. Aspiration presupposes the motivation of the gospel. Why do you want to plant a church? Do you love Jesus first and foremost? Do you love the Church? We need to remember the centrality of the Church in the age of redemption.

2. Adequacy. It’s always good to look at the qualifications when considering whether to be a deacon or elder of the church. As we read through the list, we see certain specific gifts are important, such as being apt to teach. What really stands out is your heart and character. Your walk and “Christ-ness” is what is being known as a leader. Part of your demonstration is your commitment to Scripture and your local church, and those around you also are bearing witness to recognition of your gifting.

 3. Affirmation. It’s not a solo calling. Listen to the godly men and women who are in a position to question your sense of calling. If you receive pushback, welcome life-giving rebukes.

Adapted from the Sending Church Masterclass, which provides training and development for kingdom-minded leaders and churches in this Great Commission work. Understand your church’s role and get practical help reaching the nations with the gospel, one church at a time. Start the Sending Church Masterclass here.  

Meet the Author

Scotty Smith

Scotty Smith is founding pastor of Christ Community Church in Franklin, Tennessee, a
PCA church he planted with friends in 1986. After pastoring CCC for 26 years, Scotty
resigned in May 2012 to serve the larger Church with his preaching, teaching and writing.
He serves as the Teacher in Residence at West End Community Church in Nashville, a
daughter church of Christ Community. He also serves as an adjunct faculty member
for Covenant Theological Seminary; Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia:
Redeemer Seminary, Dallas and RTS Orlando. Scotty is a graduate of the University of
North Carolina, Westminster Seminary and Covenant Seminary. Scotty has written a
number of books, including Unveiled Hope, Objects of His Affection and Everyday Prayers.
Scotty and his wife, Darlene, have two adult children.

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