How to Relate to a Man God Can Shape -Providing Advice and Direction

One of the hallmarks of the Follow the Call ministry is prayer, and in the case of providing advice and direction, we would miss the mark if we did not say that is where to begin. In the book Calling Out the Called, Pruitt and Pace strongly urge ministry leaders to give an invitation to call out the called. They preface by suggesting, “Pray, pray, and pray some more. You are desperately in need of the Lord to speak through you in a way that pierces hearts.”[i] There are many individuals whom the Lord is calling that needs strong prayer to break them free and shape their hearts for surrendering to God’s purpose for their life. A great example of this is Carl Love’s ministry call experience who now serves as the pastor of Transformation Community Church located in Temple, Texas. Carl as a young man made a decision to choose Jesus when he was twenty five years old, and attended a small church with his wife. He became actively involved, and one Sunday he felt compelled to come forward during the invitation at the end of service and chose not to do it. As he described his experience, he felt perhaps maybe he needed to repent again; when in reality the Holy Spirit was working in his heart. In his description of his story he felt the desire to come forward on two more occasions. Finally, he met with his pastor and shared his experience, his pastor gave him the advice to go home and pray and ask God what does he want you to do. So, Carl got on his face and prayed, and it was not long after he began to pray he knew God was calling him to preach. As Pruitt and Pace shared, as a pastor, “You are desperately in need of the Lord to speak through you in way that pierces hearts.”[ii]

In the case of Carl, he knew the Holy Spirit was working in his heart, and he went to see his pastor to meet privately. This brings up the point it may be a good practice to make it a priority to have a special time set aside to meet with individuals who are wrestling with the call. When shepherding young men, once confirmed they feel called and have a sincere desire to serve, in providing direction, they will have many questions. It may be good to meet on an ongoing basis to share insights, address questions and provide answers on a personal level.

Our suggestion is to provide advice through getting men together on an ongoing basis in an Above Reproach group. The group could consist of only one man or a dozen. The purpose of the group is to invest in men and provide guidance about steps required for training. As a process of discernment there is a process of iron sharpening iron as men are challenged to think about the call through digesting and commenting on assigned reading. These assignments provide opportunity to grow in their knowledge, and a time to pray for one another. It is also a safe place for pastors to give advice and initiate an accountability process to give those participating the ability to grow deeper in their spiritual walk.

One of the best places for pastors to give great advice is in the Sunday morning pulpit preaching each week to stir hearts that the Holy Spirit is shaping. As in Carl’s experience, he felt the pull, but it took more than one experience, and his call wasn’t necessarily based upon emotion, however a real invitation. This is why it is essential to invite men and women who may be wrestling with the call to ministry to come forward on an ongoing basis. Each time they hear the invitation, through the work of the Holy Spirit, they hear the voice of God calling.

As a practice of providing direction: live a godly life, be a model of faith and reflect the word that is taught. The writer of Hebrews provides this advice for both leaders and followers. “Remember your leaders who have spoken God’s word to you. As you carefully observe the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith” (Hebrews 13:7 Christian Standard Bible). As a practice of providing direction there is nothing that stands out more than being a great example as God’s servant.

Shepherding is a huge responsibility, and investing in men for ministry is a key attribute of a thriving church. These men will help aide and sustain your ministry and empower your church to make a kingdom impact in your community now and in the future.

[i] Scott Pace & Shane Pruitt, Calling Out the Called, (Nashville, Tennessee, B&H Publishing Group, 2022), 170.

[ii] Ibid., 170.