05/14/2018
In this sincere debut, Padilla, communications director at Beeson Divinity School, shares her call story. She begins with her early frustrations around the traditions of Christianity (“Why didn’t God make me a boy so I could be a preacher?”) and then quickly moves to her later belief that being a pastor’s wife was her only vocational option as she wondered, “Does God call women to gospel ministry?” Assuming a female readership from a wide theological spectrum, Padilla examines biblical call stories for both men and women before addressing I Timothy’s admonition that women should be silent in church—the verse often used to justify excluding women from ministry. Padilla’s use of male pronouns for God and generic persons and her warning that “our calls to ministry should never justify neglecting the ministry of the home and family” attest to her theologically conservative roots; however, her proclamation that the gift of preaching “is given to both men and women” demonstrates her spiritual evolution, spurred by her strong sense of call. Each chapter closes with questions for reflection and discussion, personal exercises, and a “ministry spotlight” focused on individual women engaged in vocational ministry who offer advice specific to Padilla’s audience of “young women... who feel called to ministry.” Those women are likely to find Padilla a nurturing, thought-provoking guide. (June)
As a woman in the church, it's difficult to know what it means to say "I'm called to ministry." Whether you have been wrestling with that calling for years or are just starting to ask what it means, Now That I'm Called will provide you with guidance and direction on your journey. Perhaps you are feeling the Holy Spirit leading you toward vocational ministry but are unsure of what that means or if you are hearing the voice of the Lord correctly. This book will help you answer these questions and serve as a guide as you walk down this new and unfamiliar path.
Author Kristen Padilla answers questions like:
- What does the Bible say about ministerial calling?
- Can I, as a woman, be called to gospel ministry?
- What is the difference between spiritual gifts and ministerial roles within the church?
- Is there value in obtaining a theological education?
- Should I go to a Bible college, seminary, or divinity school, and what is the difference between these three?
- What is the value in having a ministerial mentor and doing internships?
- What if I feel called to ministry but do not know what type of ministry?
Each chapter ends with further questions, exercises, assignments, and stories of real women doing vocational ministry. This is a book that will prepare you for a lifetime of vocational service to God. You will walk away with a biblical understanding of ministerial calling and a robust view of women in gospel ministry, as well as practical tools to help you pursue God's call for your life.
Questions and exercises are included in the audiobook companion PDF download.
As a woman in the church, it's difficult to know what it means to say "I'm called to ministry." Whether you have been wrestling with that calling for years or are just starting to ask what it means, Now That I'm Called will provide you with guidance and direction on your journey. Perhaps you are feeling the Holy Spirit leading you toward vocational ministry but are unsure of what that means or if you are hearing the voice of the Lord correctly. This book will help you answer these questions and serve as a guide as you walk down this new and unfamiliar path.
Author Kristen Padilla answers questions like:
- What does the Bible say about ministerial calling?
- Can I, as a woman, be called to gospel ministry?
- What is the difference between spiritual gifts and ministerial roles within the church?
- Is there value in obtaining a theological education?
- Should I go to a Bible college, seminary, or divinity school, and what is the difference between these three?
- What is the value in having a ministerial mentor and doing internships?
- What if I feel called to ministry but do not know what type of ministry?
Each chapter ends with further questions, exercises, assignments, and stories of real women doing vocational ministry. This is a book that will prepare you for a lifetime of vocational service to God. You will walk away with a biblical understanding of ministerial calling and a robust view of women in gospel ministry, as well as practical tools to help you pursue God's call for your life.
Questions and exercises are included in the audiobook companion PDF download.
Now That I'm Called: A Guide for Women Discerning a Call to Ministry
Now That I'm Called: A Guide for Women Discerning a Call to Ministry
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