Special note. In the developing countries of the world to which I have gone there is an expectation on the part of many young men that the ministry is a way to riches and glory. The Health and Wealth Gospel in particular is taking the continent of Africa with a vengeance for certain aspects of that movement imply promises that are neither realistic nor scriptural. For the pastors of Africa in particular, and even those in other nations, here is a question to consider: "Am I called to be a pastor?"

Every man going into the ministry or one currently serving in the ministry must ask himself at some point this question: "Am I called to be a pastor?" Finding the answer to that question is not always easy.  There are many tests involved in determining a pastoral call, but one is of particular concern to me. Christ gave and passed the test Himself. We read of it in John 10:11-14.

"I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. 13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine."

I understand this passage, by way of application, to mean that it is possible for individuals to want to be in the ministry or be a pastor simply as a career choice or even worse for the money they see can be made. In short, they are hirelings and will flee when the pressures (wolves) come.

In 1974 I knew a chaplain who wanted to be reassigned to the reception center of a US Army training camp. He told me that all he had to do was come up with 5 sermons, one a week for 5 weeks for the soldiers were rotated out?and the rest of the time was his. It was easy money.

In 1987 I knew a young man who went into the insurance business. He was very excited about the prospect of making a lot of easy money. But then he found out how challenging the insurance business was. The pressures came - and he left.

If I hear any potential pastor or acting pastor say in effect, "I may not be suited emotionally or constitutionally for the pressures of the ministry," I can appreciate that honest self-evaluation. But I can also be concerned on a Scriptural and practical basis.

If I hear someone in the ministry say in essence, "If the pressures of this job get too great I will just leave," I can understand what is being said, but I can also be concerned on a Scriptural and practical basis.

If I hear someone become animated at the prospect of making a lot of money outside the ministry I can appreciate that honest longing of the heart to provide well for the family and have a chance to enjoy the toys of time, but I can also be concerned on both a Scriptural and practical basis. 

Christianity was not started because the apostles began to set their priorities of wanting to provide financially well for their families first and foremost or have days off or a secure future. In fact, knowing the hardships of the ministry many men have delayed getting married. Christianity was not started because the apostles prioritized getting a retirement plan. Christianity was not started because the apostles wanted health insurance. Christianity was not started because the apostles wanted job security.  Instead, their goal was to seek first the kingdom of heaven and give themselves through the day and into the night to advance the kingdom.

Therefore, there is a growing self-awareness to those who are considering the call to the ministry. Self-examination asks, "What are my priorities? Do I have a pastor's heart?"

No man can judge the heart of another. If a person were to tell me that God has called him to the ministry and he will endure whatever the pressures of the job entail then I want to work with such a man of commitment, especially if I am going to sacrifice myself and my resources on his behalf.

I personally need to know if I am working with a hireling or a fellow pastor. The church needs to know if it has a hireling, which is someone taking money from the ministry but their heart is elsewhere, or if they have a pastor.

Recommended reading: Lectures to My Students by Charles H. Spurgeon