EE Leaders | Leadership Lessons Season 1: Episode 2 - Know Your Calling

In this episode, Pastor Daniel begins with a question to ask yourself: Am I doing the things God has called me to do? and offering practical advice on how we can hear and discern God’s calling for our lives. What does calling mean? In his book Leaders Who Last, David Kraft describes calling as “the God of the universe speaking into your life and circumstances, expressing His will.” Your calling is something specific. Ephesians 2:10: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. We all want to know what God wants us to do. We want to be fruitful. Knowing your calling helps you to stay focused, to endure hardship and pain when it comes. Jesus said to count the cost (Luke 14:28). The call to leadership will cost you. It is a life of sacrificial service. Knowing your calling starts with seeking God and knowing Him through His word and through prayer. You can’t know your calling without knowing God. Pastor Daniel gives four key areas to pursue this question of calling: 1)Character—Does your daily life and choices testify to your being a godly leader? 2)Competency—Do you have the skills and gifts to do the job? Are you currently using your gifts and skills to glorify God?. 3)Community—What does your community say about your calling? Seek the advice and counsel of your spouse and other godly people in your life. Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. (Proverbs 19:20) Is your community confirming your calling or saying you’re not ready yet? 4)Circumstances—What doors has God opened and shut for you in your life? Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. (Revelation 3:8) God knows His plans and purpose for our lives and He will accomplish that in order to expand His kingdom and bring Himself glory. Are your circumstances confirming your calling or telling you no or not yet? Closed doors may disappoint us, but we need to trust God. This is a long process and there are many layers of calling. But remember: You are the mission of Jesus. He loves you. Stay dependent on Him. Abide in Him. Be yourself. Discouragement can come from comparing yourself with others. In this month’s One Piece of Advice, Pastor Bryan Saylor talks about comparing. You’ll appreciate his encouragement.

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One Piece of Advice | Stop Comparing

Pastor Bryan Saylor, Melbourne, Florida, shares his advice, which is really a warning against falling into the trap of comparing yourself to others. In the world we live in today with its frenzy of social media, it can be easy to see yourself falling short in some area of your life since there is always someone somewhere who is doing life or ministry bigger and better than you are. The enemy can use this trap to make you feel embarrassed or ashamed of your own life. A better church, a cooler idea, a bigger audience…a constant barrage of me vs. others. It can be extremely destructive. “Actively eliminate comparison from your life—be vigilant about that.” Jesus talks about this type of self-discipline in Matthew 5:30: “And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away.” It is essential that we get rid of the things in ministry that are holding us back. Stand guard against the enemy of comparison and when you recognize it, destroy it. 

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Recommended Book of the Month: Leaders Who Last by David Kraft

This book had a great influence on Pastor Daniel. Here’s one quote: “Make it your priority and goal to pour your life into future leaders.” More quotes can be found in the blog section of eeleaders.com. If you’d like to add some quotes of your own, please share them.

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Quotes: 

“I believe there is nothing greater than doing what God has called us to do.” -Daniel Williams

“You can go to God’s word and get direction. He will speak to you.” -Daniel Williams

“You will have the good, the bad and the ugly in church leadership. We are imperfect people dealing with imperfect people.” -Daniel Williams

“Actively eliminate comparison from your life—be vigilant about that.” -Bryan Saylor

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Links: 

Contact Daniel: daniel@eeleaders.com

Leadership Lessons/One Piece of Advice/Blog/Recommended Books: eeleaders.com