Bible Study on ‘Calling’
Handout for participants
1. The experience of being called
In the passages below, read each one and see if there is some distinctive aspect of the
experience of being called which is highlighted for you.
Gen. 12.1
Ex. 3.10
1 Kings 19.19
Mark 1.16-20
John 1.35-51
(Other possible texts to look at: Isa. 6.1-8;
2 Tim. 1.8-13)
What is our experience so far? Are there similar experiences? Something not mentioned?
2. Who are called?
When Jesus heard this, he said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician,
but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners. (Mark 2.17)
Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human
standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth... (1 Cor. 1.26)
Who is called? Is it about being special or not? Do you see all Christians as called
through their baptism to follow Christ and to serve the Lord?
(Look at 1 Cor. 12.4-7, 12-13 – how are all believers gifted so they take their place in the
body of Christ?)
3. Following Christ as a Calling – Discipleship
He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, "If any want to become my
followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. (Mark 8.34)
He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, "Whoever wants to be first must be last
of all and servant of all." (Mark 9.35)
In terms of general discipleship, what is Jesus saying in these two verses?
Read one of the two passages below. What does the text teach us about discipleship?
Luke 14.25-33: ‘Counting the Cost’
Eph. 1.15-23: ‘The privileges of being called’
4. Calling and Ministry
Calling often involves a vocation to a specific ministry. Looking at these texts what are the
different kinds of ministry which are identified and what are some of the general principles
of ministry which are discussed?
Eph. 4.1-16
Rom. 12.3-8
(Another text to consider: 1 Cor. 12.4-10 )
Bible Study on ‘Calling
Notes for leaders
1. The Experience of Being Called
Gen. 12.1
Abram told to ‘go’: Costly
Ex. 3.10
Moses sent to Pharaoh: Specific
1 Kings 19.19
Elisha receives mantle: Surprising
Isa. 6.1-8
Isaiah transformed: Responding to the need
Mark 1.16-20
Disciples: Left their nets and followed
John 1.35-49
Disciples: Come and see
2 Tim. 1.8-14
Paul and Timothy: For the gospel (not ashamed). What’s been
entrusted
What is our experience so far?
2. Who are called?
“When Jesus heard this, he said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a
physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners. “
(Mark 2.17 )
“Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human
standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.” (1 Cor. 1.2 )
Calling is not about being special. All Christians are called through their baptism to follow
Christ and to serve the Lord. All believers are gifted and take their place in the body of
Christ.
(1 Cor. 12.4-7, 12-13)
3. Following Christ as a Calling – Discipleship
“He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, "If any want to become my
followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me”. (Mark 8.34)
“He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, "Whoever wants to be first must be last
of all and servant of all." (Mark 9.35)
Luke 14.25-33: ‘Counting the Cost’
Eph. 1.15-23: ‘The privileges of being called’
 spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him
 know what is the hope to which he has called you (consummation of our faith)
 what are the riches of his glorious inheritance
 what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe
4. Calling and Ministry
Eph. 4.1-16
 a life worthy of our calling: humility, gentleness, patience, enduring with each other in
love, maintain unity and peace
 sharing in the oneness of God’s purpose and hope
 Christ’s ministry of gifting
 The many ministries: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers
 The goal of ministry: to equip the saints for ministry, building up the body of Christ, to
promote unity of faith and knowledge of God’s Son, to bring all to maturity and the
measure of fullness.
 Effective ministry brings stability, anchoring
 Effective ministry establishes the body of Christ and enables the body of Christ to grow
 Ministry is under the headship of Christ, 4.14, 1.22
Rom. 12.3-8
 Taking stock of our measure of faith
 Taking stock of our place in the body
 Taking stock of our gifts
 The range of gifts
1. prophecy
2. ministry
3. teaching
4. exhorter
5. giver
6. leader
7.compassion
1 Cor. 12.4-10
 words of wisdom
 words of knowledge
 faith healing
 prophecy
 discernment of spirits
 miracles
 tongues
 interpretation of tongues
This activity was designed by Dennis Stamps
St Albans Diocese