Christian leadership begins with a calling from God. What and how is this call? Is this call a literal, audible call from heaven? Is it an inner conviction or impulse from the Holy Spirit? Is it a spectacular call like that of Moses, Samuel, and Paul (Exo. 3, I Sam. 3, Acts 9)? Should human vessels be used to tell us that we are called as Elijah was used to call Elisha (I Ki. 19)? Should the call be like how Christ called Matthew, James, John, and Nathaniel (Mt. 9:9, Mk. 1:19, Jn. 1:45-51)?

God always takes the initiative in calling believers to Himself (Jn. 6:44, 65, 15:16, I Cor. 1:12, Eph. 1:4-5, 11). God initiates the call. Sinners are called to salvation (Rom. 1:6-7, 9:24). Believers are called to live Christ-like lives (I Cor. 1:26, 7:20, Eph. 4:1, Phil. 3:14, II Thess. 1:11, II Tim. 1:9). Believers are called to ministry tasks (Acts 13:2, I Cor. 12:4-7, Eph. 4:1).