For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Larry Truelove
I think there is some confusion between a "call to preach" and the desire to be a pastor. While Paul the Apostle felt an urge to present the gospel, every believer is called to do that. That some feel it urgently does not suggest that God tells some but not others, other than Paul's calling to be an apostle. That appears to be the context of 1 Cor 9. And Jeremiah was likewise called to be a prophet. I don't think we have apostles or prophets today.
But Paul does call the office of Overseer a noble work. But he doesn't give Timothy instruction to ordain those who had "the call." And frankly since we have so many who follow others because the followers have "itching ears", I don't find the vote of the congregation a good indicator either. On the contrary, the biggest Word if Faith heretics have very large congregations.
Bernita Rainey
If gods calling you he will inspire you to preach and prepare you give guidance through his word.
Danny Hickman
Larry Truelove, I agree with you on the "vote of the congregation" comment. That's really a strange way to go about "getting approved" to answer God's holy calling. It's beyond artificial, IMO. Other than that, I don't see it the way you depict it.
A "call to preach" doesn't imply that "God tells some but not others" to present the gospel. It means that Jesus' ministry continues. You must remember that He initially called 12 men to preach; the ministry grew and He sent seventy men out to preach "The kingdom of God is at hand." He didn't send everybody; He still doesn't. Everybody CAN witness, but not everyone can preach; or teach. (here it is) "Let not many of you become teachers, knowing that WE (James includes himself) will receive a stricter judgment" (James 3:1).
Preachers are called individually. Just because there are bad ones doesn't mean there are none called the conventional way. At His ascension from Jerusalem back to the Father, Jesus commissioned the 11 disciples He had called. He sent them out to preach the gospel to the world, baptizing as they go. They were to make disciples of those they baptize. A disciple is a student, not a teacher.
And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ.. etc. Ephesians 4:11,12
Please cite the Bible vs of which of them offices he has discontinued. There isn't one; it goes on.