YOUR IDENTITY AND CALLING
A Guide for the Credentialed Ministers
Every generation of ministers must be reminded of the sacred weight and eternal significance of the call to preach. Vocational ministry is not a career path chosen out of convenience; it is a divine assignment, birthed in prayer and confirmed by God’s Spirit. When you received your credential, you didn’t just step into a role—you stepped into a covenant.
But with the call comes responsibility. The call of God is permanent, but how you walk in it will shape your impact on people and your legacy before the Lord. That is why we must return, again and again, to the foundations of identity, integrity, and servanthood.
This resource is written for those who are called to serve God’s people in vocational ministry. Whether you are just beginning or have been serving for decades, the reminders here are not optional extras—they are essential anchors for the soul of every minister.
1. Live Out Your Identity & Calling
Serve Before You Lead
Jesus told His disciples:
“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matt. 20:26–28).
True leadership in the kingdom is marked by servanthood, not status. The temptation will be to equate leadership with recognition, but the real test of ministry is faithfulness in unseen, humble service. Wash feet before you expect to lead crowds.
Remember: Your Calling Is Forever
Paul wrote to the church in Rome, saying:
“For God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable” (Rom. 11:29).
The credential is renewed each year, but the call is eternal. Assignments may vary, but the call remains.
There will be moments when discouragement makes you question your place. Remember: people may affirm or challenge your ministry, but it is God who called you. When doubts arise, return to the altar where He first spoke to you and renew your surrender there.
Anchor Your Worth in Christ
Paul wrote:
“For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Col. 3:3).
Success is not measured by numbers but by faithfulness. If you measure yourself by attendance, offerings, or recognition, you’ll ride the rollercoaster of ministry highs and lows. Anchor your identity in Christ, and you’ll find stability even when outward results fluctuate. Faithfulness, not applause, is heaven’s measure of success.
2. Preach and Teach with Faithfulness
Handle the Word Faithfully
Paul wrote to Timothy (his protege in ministry), and said:
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who… correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15).
Sermons are not speeches; they are God’s Word entrusted to your care and proclaimed to His people. Study deeply, interpret responsibly, and preach with clarity. Never let pressure for novelty lead you into compromise or distortion of God’s truth.
Preach for Transformation, Not Just Information
Paul reminded the Corinthians that his preaching was:
“Not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power” (1 Cor. 2:4).
Knowledge informs the mind, but Spirit-empowered preaching transforms the heart. Aim for sermons that leave people not saying, “What a great sermon,” but “What a great Savior.”
Stay Teachable
Apollos, though eloquent,
“Was willing to be taught more accurately” (Acts 18:24–26).
Never stop learning. Resist the temptation to coast or recycle without growth. Read widely, learn from others, and allow mentors and peers to sharpen you. Growth as a preacher requires humility as a learner.
3. Prioritize and Protect Relationships
Put Your Family First
Paul instructed that leaders must,
“…Manage their own family well… If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?” (1 Tim. 3:4–5).
Your spouse and children are not a distraction from ministry—they are your ministry. Neglecting your family will wound your credibility and crush your soul. Shepherd your home before you shepherd others.
Seek Mentors & Peers
Timothy had Paul; Elisha had Elijah.
The wisdom of Proverbs 27 reminds us,
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Prov. 27:17).
No one finishes well alone. Build intentional friendships with peers and seek mentors who can guide you.
Love the Flock
Peter urged the readers of his day, when he wrote:
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care… not because you must, but because you are willing” (1 Pet. 5:2).
You cannot lead people you do not love. Ministry is not about managing systems—it’s about shepherding souls. Care for people, listen well, and walk with them through every season.
4. Walk in Ethics and Integrity
Practice Financial Integrity
Paul said he worked hard to,
“Do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man” (2 Cor. 8:20–21).
Be transparent, accountable, and careful with money. Treat every dollar as God’s dollar.
Walk in Moral Purity
“Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness” (2 Tim. 2:22).
Sin thrives in secrecy. Guard your heart, your eyes, and your habits. Build accountability.
Guard Your Words
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up” (Eph. 4:29).
Words can wound or heal. Speak carefully, and let every word point people to Christ.
5. Lead and Steward with Wisdom
Equip Others
“Christ himself gave… pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service” (Eph. 4:11–12).
If you’re doing all the ministry, you’re failing in ministry. True leaders multiply leaders.
Delegate & Empower
Moses nearly burned out until Jethro advised him to appoint others (Exod. 18:17–23).
Delegation is wisdom, not weakness. Empower and trust others to serve.
Steward Well
“Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful” (1 Cor. 4:2).
Resources, property, and people are sacred trusts. Steward them carefully for God’s glory.
6. Persevere Through Trials
Expect Trials
“We are hard pressed… but not crushed” (2 Cor. 4:8).
Trials do not signal God’s absence—they refine your dependence.
Stay Connected
Elijah faltered under the broom tree (1 Kings 19:4). God reminded him he wasn’t alone. Neither are you. Isolation magnifies discouragement; fellowship strengthens resolve.
Finish Well
Paul declared, “I have fought the good fight… I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7).
The goal is not momentary applause but lifelong obedience. Keep eternity in view.
7. Remain Rooted in Our Ministry Fellowship
Stay Connected with Other Ministers
Scripture declares:
“Two are better than one” (Eccl. 4:9).
As a minister of the gospel (specifically a credentialed minister), you are part of a global family. Stay engaged in gatherings, training, and missions opportunities.
Uphold Our Pentecostal Distinctives
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you” (Acts 1:8).
We are a Spirit-empowered movement. Preach, practice, and depend on the Spirit.
Support Local and World Missions
Regarding the call to the nations, and the responsibility to carry the gospel to those who do not yet know Him, Jesus commanded,
“Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19).
Be an example—personally give, personally support, and lead your church to send.
Conclusion
The work of ministry is never easy, but it is always worth it. Your calling is forever, your identity is secure in Christ, and your faithfulness will bear eternal fruit. The Assemblies of God credential you hold is more than a card or certificate—it is a visible reminder of the covenant you have made with God, His people, and the fellowship of ministers you serve alongside.
There will be moments when trials weigh heavy, when results seem small, and when discouragement whispers that you are alone. In those moments, remember: your worth is not measured in numbers but in obedience. Keep serving, keep loving, keep preaching, and keep persevering.
One day, the applause of men will fade, but the voice of the Savior will remain:
“Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord” (Matt. 25:23).