Answering the Call: Understanding And Responding To The Call To Full-Time Ministry

“Ron Lewis has helped more young people answer the Call to ministry than anybody I know. These principles will guide you confidently into the purposes of God.”

Dr. Rice Broocks, Co-founder, Every Nation,

Author of God’s Not Dead and Man, Myth, Messiah

 

WHAT IS FULL-TIME MINISTRY?

“‘Come follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’ At once, they left their nets and followed him.” Matthew 4:19-20

What do you think of when you hear the phrase, “full-time ministry?” Maybe you think of a man in a collar or flowing robes, a preacher on TV, or a missionary in the bush of Africa, the frozen tundra of Siberia, or the jungles of the Amazon. Perhaps you think of a campus minister who has helped you get to know Jesus in a personal way. To a degree, these can all be examples of full-time ministry. From here on, when I use the phrase “full-time ministry,” I am mindful that all ministry—in every sphere of life—is a full-time calling. However, for the sake ofclarity in this book, when I refer to full-time ministry, I am referring to a man or woman whose primary occupation is gospel ministry and all it entails.

Full-time ministry is a job, a vocation, and a career, but, as we will see, it is so much more.

This subject is often misunderstood and usually brings with it a handful of questions:

•Does God want you to go into full-time ministry? (Chapter 2)

•What is the real difference between a Christian who works a “secular job” and a full-time minister? (Chapter 3)

•Does it please God more if you are a full-time minister? (Chapter 3)

•If I go into ministry, where do I begin? (Chapter 5)

•What will it cost me to follow Jesus into full-time ministry? (Chapter 7)

•How can I be paid for doing Christian ministry? (Chapter 9)

 

 

 

ENDORSEMENTS for RonLewisMinistries.org

“If you want to know what it looks like to understand and respond to the call of full-time ministry, you need to read this book. Ron gets it. He lives it. He whole-heartedly believes in the God of the impossible. His clear understanding of Scripture and godly tenacity has helped establish countless ministries and plant dozens of churches around the world. His passion for New York City – ever since the founding of Every Nation New York in the wake of 9/11 – has inspired and changed many lives. I praise the Lord for people like Ron and am happy to call him a friend.” Luis Palau, International Evangelist

“Ron Lewis has helped more young people answer the Call to ministry than anybody I know. These principles will guide you confidently into the purposes of God.” Dr. Rice Broocks, Co-Founder, Every Nation, Author of God’s Not Dead and Man, Myth, Messiah

“I was saved long before I started walking the Christian walk. When I really realized the gift I had been given, I felt I needed to take a stand, yet had no idea how to take my years of coaching and helping others to the next level. Pastor Ron and this book helped give me the instruction I needed to fulfill my purpose and help others find theirs. It is a must-read if you want to make a difference in the Kingdom!” Bill Lam, 10X ACC Coach of the Year (at UNC), National Coach of the Year

“Answering the Call has been a valuable resource for our campus ministry. It’s helped hundreds of individuals discern God’s direction for their lives. It strikes the perfect balance between presenting the realities and challenges of vocational ministry while inspiring faith in the God who made the call to begin with. While its focus is on ministry, it also honors and respects the call into all sectors of society, including the marketplace. Pastor Ron Lewis shares generously from the highs and lows of experience and those of others to share the reality of what answering the call looks like.” Joseph Bonifacio, Director, Every Nation Campus – Philippines

“Ron Lewis captures nearly every angle of what it means to serve God. This book will act as a mentor as you sift through your options and listen to what God is saying to you through your gifts and passions. I am sure you will hear His voice as you read.” Dr. Tim Elmore, Founder, GrowingLeaders.com

“In the modern church, ministry is often tragically reduced to a career, instead of a calling. In Answering the Call, Ron Lewis offers critical wisdom to this important distinction. Ron is a seasoned voice with an authority that only comes having lived out the message before many. I’m thankful for his leadership and friendship!” Dominic Russo, Visionary, 1Nation1Day; Founder, Missions.Me

“Ron has penned a masterpiece of sound judgment, clear reasoning, and fatherly love. This book is a lighthouse to many, that they may not crash their new-found faith against the rocks of life, but that they navigate safely to shore and live out their life’s calling as a full-time minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Olajide Pariola, Regional Director, Every Nation Campus – Southern Africa
 

“This book gives a seasoned interpretation for discerning God’s still, small voice and a clear roadmap for practically answering that call to ministry. I love handing this book individuals who are looking to lay hold of that for which Jesus laid hold of them.” Rollan Fisher, Church Planter and Founding Pastor, Second City Chicago