Have you ever wondered why some people thrive in their spiritual journey while others feel stifled or stuck? The answer may lie in the tension between individual calling and the structure of modern church “membership.” While membership in a local church is often viewed as a necessary step in spiritual growth, it can sometimes become a barrier, stifling the unique calling God has placed on an individual’s life. Let’s explore this tension and discover how we can align with God’s bigger plan for His kingdom.
The Two Types of Callings: Followers and Sent Ones
In the New Testament, we see two distinct ways Jesus interacts with people: He calls some to “follow Him” closely, and He sends others out to accomplish specific missions.
Take, for example, the story in Mark 5:19. After Jesus healed a man possessed by demons, the man begged to follow Him. But Jesus instructed him differently: “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you.” In contrast, in Matthew 9:9, Jesus called Matthew, a tax collector, to leave everything and follow Him.
At first glance, this seems inconsistent. Why does Jesus invite one person to follow Him and send another away? The answer lies in understanding the diversity of God’s callings. Both roles—the follower and the sent one—are equally important in advancing God’s kingdom. The man healed in Gadara became a powerful witness in his community, while Matthew became one of Jesus’ core disciples, directly learning from Him.
The Bigger Picture
Jesus’ actions reveal that He always operates with a bigger picture in mind. The healed man’s testimony prepared an entire region for Jesus’ future ministry. This highlights an important truth: God’s work is not confined to our personal desires or preferences. Sometimes, staying close to Jesus means serving where you are, and other times, it means stepping out into the unknown.
Consider Prophet Isaiah’s calling in Isaiah 6:8. When God asked, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Isaiah’s response was, “Here am I; send me.” This illustrates two categories of people in God’s plan:
The Sent: These individuals are specifically chosen and commissioned for a task, like Jeremiah or the apostles.
The Goers: These are those who willingly step forward when they hear the call, like Isaiah.
Both types are crucial to the advancement of God’s kingdom, but problems arise when we misjudge or undervalue one role over the other.
How Church Membership Can Stifle Callings
The concept of church membership is meant to foster accountability, community, and growth. However, when misapplied, it can become a cage rather than a catalyst for spiritual growth. Here are some ways church membership can inadvertently stifle callings:
1. Rigid Structures
Some churches prioritize maintaining membership numbers over empowering individuals to pursue their God-given missions. This rigidity can lead to stagnation, where people feel obligated to stay in one place, even when God is calling them elsewhere.
2. Overemphasis on Loyalty
While loyalty to a local church is important, it should never supersede loyalty to God’s call. In Acts 13:2, the Holy Spirit instructed the church to “Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.” The church leaders didn’t resist; instead, they prayed, blessed them, and sent them off. Imagine the loss if Barnabas and Saul had been confined to one congregation!
3. Fear of Losing Control
Some church leaders resist releasing members to pursue their callings because they fear losing influence or resources. This approach stifles creativity and prevents individuals from fully expressing their God-given gifts.
4. Lack of Recognition for Diverse Callings
Not every believer is called to be a pastor, worship leader, or small group leader. Some are called to be missionaries, entrepreneurs, or community activists. When churches fail to recognize and nurture these diverse callings, members can feel undervalued and unfulfilled.
Biblical Examples of Released Callings
The Bible is filled with stories of individuals who stepped out of their comfort zones to fulfill their unique callings:
Abraham: God called him to leave his homeland and journey to an unknown land (Genesis 12:1-4).
Moses: Though reluctant at first, Moses obeyed God’s call to lead Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 3:10).
Paul: After his dramatic conversion, Paul didn’t stay in one place; he traveled extensively to plant churches and spread the Gospel (Acts 9:15-16).
In each case, obedience to God’s call required stepping outside of established structures and trusting Him fully.
The Role of the Church
The church’s primary role is to equip and empower believers to fulfill their callings. Ephesians 4:11-12 says, “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
Here’s how churches can better support their members:
1. Encourage Open Dialogue
Create an environment where members feel comfortable discussing their callings and aspirations. This fosters trust and helps leaders provide guidance.
2. Provide Training and Resources
Offer practical tools and training to help members develop their gifts, whether they are called to serve within the church or in the broader community.
3. Celebrate Diverse Callings
Recognize and celebrate the unique ways God is working through each individual. This affirms their value and encourages them to pursue their purpose.
4. Release with Blessing
When members feel called to step into new roles or ministries, bless and support them. This reflects a kingdom-minded approach that prioritizes God’s mission over institutional growth.
Moving Beyond Membership
To move beyond the limitations of traditional membership, we must embrace a kingdom perspective. This means viewing the church not as an exclusive club but as a launching pad for ministry. Here are practical steps for individuals and churches:
For Individuals:
Seek God’s Guidance: Spend time in prayer and reflection to discern your unique calling.
Communicate with Your Church Leaders: Share your calling with trusted leaders who can provide wisdom and support.
Be Willing to Step Out: Don’t let fear or tradition hold you back from pursuing God’s plan.
For Churches:
Adopt a Kingdom Mindset: Focus on building God’s kingdom, not just the local congregation.
Empower and Equip: Provide resources and opportunities for members to grow in their callings.
Release with Joy: Celebrate when members step into new roles, even if it means leaving the local church.
Conclusion
Church membership, when understood correctly, is a beautiful expression of community and accountability. However, it should never become a cage that stifles God’s calling on an individual’s life. By recognizing and embracing the diverse ways God works through His people, we can create a culture where callings are nurtured and released for His glory.
Are you ready to break free from the confines of tradition and fully embrace your God-given calling? The choice is yours. Step boldly into the purpose He has prepared for you, knowing that His plans are always greater than ours.
Where is God calling you today? Will you follow or be sent?
