The Sword & The Trowel TS&TT: The Call to Pastoral Ministry
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Apr 9, 2026 A conversation about recognizing and confirming a call to pastoral ministry. They explore biblical definitions of pastor, elder, and overseer and warn against narrow or professionalized approaches. Practical steps for churches to train and test leaders are outlined. They highlight character qualifications, the role of seminary versus mentorship, and the four C's for choosing elders.
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Pastor Elder Overseer Are One Office
- Pastoral, elder, and overseer are one New Testament office described by different emphases: dignity, work, and shepherding.
- Tom Ascol stresses Baptists should recognize a single office rather than fragmenting ministry titles like "youth pastor" into separate offices.
Treat Aspiration As A Vocation Not A Title
- If you aspire to be an overseer, acknowledge it as an internal desire that requires commitment of time, energy, and resources.
- Graham Gunden describes pursuing training and internships after sensing that internal call rather than assuming desire alone suffices.
Internal Call Needs External Confirmation
- Beware of reducing 'internal calling' to proof you are definitely called if no church affirms you.
- Tom Ascol and Graham explain internal desire may prepare you, but external church call finalizes pastoral calling.
