The Calling to the Ministry

Anyone who wholeheartedly sympathizes with our Netherlands Reformed Congregations knows how great the need is in the denomination. Many congregations have reading services from week to week and try in vain to receive their own minister. That is why every year we look forward to the decisions made by the Curatorium of the Netherlands Reformed Theological School.

What joy there can be when there is freedom to accept some candidates for the ministry. On the other hand, how disappointing it is when, at times, not one of those who sent in a request could be admitted. Sometimes this disappointment turns into bitterness. Why was no one admitted? Are the requirements not set far too high? A wave of criticism then sometimes comes and sweeps over those who find themselves entrusted with such responsible work.

However, the criticism is entirely unjustified. The Curatorium members are aware of the need of the congregations. They would like nothing better than freedom to admit students to be trained at our theological school. There is joy in the meetings when a favorable decision could be made. There is also disappointment when the men honestly believe they must judge negatively upon a request. Such decisions are made after careful consideration of all the documents accompanying a request for admission and after discussing the information given by the person himself.

The path traditionally followed

It is good that we and our young people also know the actual course of action (see Curatorium Announcement on page 71). This is how things have always been done in our congregations, already long before the union of 1907, and from the existence of the Curatorium which was only entrusted with this task since 1927 (in the Netherlands— Ed.). Previously this was done at the classis meetings. Then those who felt called to the ministry even had to speak a trial sermon on a given text. This no longer happens today.

The congregations have been well served through this policy over the years. Many have been admitted in the last twenty years so that the number of ministers has increased by about 200% (this refers to the period between 1958 and 1978 in the Netherlands—Ed.). This is often overlooked by those who criticize without due thought. The fact that for some years no one was admitted is often forgotten.

Conversion and calling

It will not be argued by anyone that a very first requirement is to have personal knowledge of the converting grace of God. We must clearly know that we have passed from death to life. Now conversion is always a very personal matter. In Revelation 2:17b we read of a “new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.” That points to the very “individual” character of each conversion.

A conversion is never “ready-made.” God leads each of His children on an individual path. Every true conversion does have those characteristics by which it is recognizable as a “true conversion,” but no two conversions are entirely identical. That is what Scripture teaches us. Therefore, when we listen to someone talking about God’s way with him, this must be duly considered. Some are drawn from their childhood; others from the midst of the service of sin and the world; some in a more “legal” way; others in an “evangelical” way. Scripture points all this out to us. This, then, is the only touchstone. Yet, in every conversion is learned what our Heidelberg Catechism states about the three parts that must be learned: misery, deliverance, and thankfulness.

As in conversion there is an entirely “individual” way, so it is regarding the calling. That a special calling to the ministry is needed, Scripture clearly teaches. “And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron” (Hebrews 5:4). Now what does this mean? An inner, persistent urge, which finds its ground in a clear command of the Lord. Calvin wrote that part of this divine calling is the knowledge that Jesus Himself spoke to us, “Feed My sheep.” In this, too, there is great distinction.

Of Isaiah we read that he said, “Send me.” Of Moses we read that he brought forward various reasons to get away from the Lord’s command. He even had to be forced to carry out His command. This does not mean that Moses accepted this task against his will. He, however, was so impressed by the weight of the work that his own incapability made him recoil. The Lord Himself persuaded him. Thus, God’s Word already teaches us differences.

Mediate and immediate

One might argue that the calling of the prophets and apostles surely was a very special one. That is correct; they were called in an immediate way. The calling of the ministers of the Word is a mediate one. The church therefore has an order in which trial and election have their own place. Also, those who come to the ministry are mediately prepared for it. Our catechism speaks of “maintaining the ministry of the gospel and the schools.” This already points to a preparation in which the “mediate” must not be overlooked.

The church needs to watch very closely. The way of the decline of many churches has been paved by admitting men to the ministry of the Word without proper trial. As a result, many have entered the ministry unworthily. Calvin called them “false prophets.” Thus, there is a human and a divine factor in the call to ministry. The latter must also be heeded.

When admission to the training is granted, the Curatorium says that, in what has been learned, there are no grounds to prevent admission. It really does not mean that it would be pronounced that such and such are converted and called of God. That would be a presumption that never befits us. Those whom the Lord calls, He also brings to the ministry. We must not think that anyone can prevent this. After all, the Lord rules. May that knowledge occupy the Curatorium members, that they may do their work with prayer for His guidance. This must also possess those who are examined, that they may conform to the Lord’s guidance.

Prayer requested

Here lies a special task for us, also for our young people. “Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth labourers into His harvest.” Then we may ask that the Lord would send men who are revealed to be sent from God. In this prayer we may also ask for the prudence and faithfulness that is proper in these matters. Then we commend all who are involved. Is the Lord not able to fulfill our needs upon prayer? Undoubtedly. May the Lord Himself give this in our lives. For also prayer, true prayer, is a work of the Holy Spirit. In all concerns, also in the matters concerning God’s Church, we want to point out the great value of prayer. May it be true in this matter also, “Lord God of Hosts, in mercy my supplication hear.”

Those whom the Lord calls, He gives a powerful and constant desire to serve Him in the office. Scripture says, “If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.” This desire must be seriously tried before God. So many ulterior motives can come into play. Our Reformed fathers urged this serious trying of the heart. They also urged the church to try. The ancient Christian church did this very carefully. Paul warned Titus to watch, for even in Crete there were those “Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not.” There, in addition to the office of elder, is also mention of the office of minister.

It would be a privilege if young men were found among us, who show the clear “signs of godliness” and whom the Lord wants to use in the congregations. If you are occupied with these matters, desire from the Lord that He will also make it known to others, so that you may thus be led into straight paths according to “the order of the church.” May the Lord grant this to us. What a matter of joy it would be. May the Lord pour out His Spirit to that end, also upon our youth.

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