Calling, is there anything special about it?

• Published in: Hervormde teologiese studies Vol. 72; no. 4; pp. 1 - 7
• Main Authors: Nel, Malan, Scholtz, Eric
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Pretoria African Online Scientific Information Systems (Pty) Ltd t/a AOSIS 2016; AOSIS (Pty) Ltd; Reformed Theological College of the Netherdutch Reformed Church of Africa at the Faculty of Theology of the University of Pretoria and Society for Practical Theology in South Africa; AOSIS
• Subjects: Analysis; Baptism; Biblical scholars; Biblical studies; Christianity; Christians; Humor and anecdotes; Practice; Reformation; Religion; Religious aspects; Theology; Vocation
• ISSN: 0259-9422; 2072-8050; 2072-8050
• DOI: 10.4102/hts.v72i4.3183

Within the Reformed tradition, ‘calling’ is a core concept. Often, this biblical verse is cited when a pastor is installed or a new candidate is ordained, ‘The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it’ (1 Th 5:24 NIV). It is also confessed within this tradition that all Christians are called to be faithful ministers of the graces of God in whatever profession they may serve. In some Presbyterian congregations, it is a practice to say at the baptism of a child, ‘This is your ordination to ministry’. This article focuses on what is meant by calling when we use it in so many ways and with so many meanings. The first part explores the use of the concept in church history by different scholars and leaders – like in the Reformation. The second part briefly explores the implications and impact of the calling of someone into full-time congregational ministry.