Pastoral Calling Discernment Exercise
Welcome to this exercise designed to help you reflect on your pastoral calling. If you are questioning your role as a pastor, this is a space to process those thoughts and prayerfully discern what God may be calling you to do next.
Assessing Your Current Pastoral Role
1. How do you feel about your role as a pastor right now? Are you energized, drained, or somewhere in between? Reflect on your emotional and spiritual state.
2. What are the most fulfilling aspects of your ministry? What gives you joy and a sense of purpose in your pastoral work?
3. What are the most challenging parts of pastoring for you? Do you feel these challenges are surmountable, or are they signs of deeper issues?
Discerning God's Call
4. In prayer and reflection, do you feel confident that God has called you to continue pastoring? If so, why? If not, why not?
5. What counsel have you received from trusted mentors, fellow pastors, or your congregation regarding your calling? How does their feedback shape your discernment?
Exploring Other Vocations
6. If you feel that pastoring may no longer be your calling, what other vocations or ministries might you feel drawn to? Are there ways you can still serve God and His people in a different capacity?
7. What strengths, skills, and passions do you have that could be applied to another vocation or ministry? How might God be preparing you for a new season?