Calling and Supporting New Leaders

Recent conversations across the CRC have highlighted a growing concern: fewer people are discerning a call to ministry, even as the need for thoughtful, grounded leaders continues to grow. The Called conference, held at Dordt University, offered a hopeful reminder that cultivating leaders doesn’t start with denominational pipelines or formal programs. Instead, it starts locally, in congregations that intentionally notice, encourage, and walk alongside people who may be sensing a call.

For churches wondering what this looks like in practice, the good news is that calling and supporting leaders does not require a large budget or a formalized discernment committee. It does, however, require attention, invitation, and sustained care.

Below are several practical ways local churches can begin and strengthen this work.

1. Say the Call Out Loud

One of the simplest and most impactful steps a church can take is to name leadership as something God still does.

Many people never consider ministry because no one has ever said, “Have you thought about this?” Churches can:

• Publicly affirm that God calls people into many forms of ministry: Pastoral, chaplaincy, justice work, youth ministry, teaching, counseling, and more.
• Share brief testimonies from pastors, elders, deacons, and ministry leaders about how their own call unfolded, especially if it was nonlinear or unexpected. God calls people from all backgrounds and all walks of life.
• Normalize uncertainty by acknowledging that call is often discerned slowly and in community.

When churches speak openly about calling, they create space for people to imagine themselves within it.

2. Pay Attention to Faithfulness

Leadership potential often shows up quietly. Churches sometimes look first for confidence, charisma, or polish, but Scripture points us instead to faithfulness.

Look for congregants who:

• Show up consistently and care deeply about people.
• Ask thoughtful questions about faith, Scripture, or the church’s mission.
• Demonstrate humility, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.
• Serve without needing recognition.

Then, name what you see. A simple comment like, “I notice how you listen to others,” or “You have a way of explaining things clearly,” can plant a powerful seed.

3. Create Low-Risk Ways to Explore Leadership

Before someone commits to formal training or vocational discernment, they need opportunities to try things out.

Churches can offer:

• Short-term teaching or preaching opportunities.
• Mentorship pairings with pastors, elders, or ministry leaders.
• Job-shadowing days or informal “ask me anything” conversations.
• Invitations to attend council meetings or ministry planning sessions as observers.

These experiences help people discern call without pressure, while also demystifying what ministry actually involves.

4. Make Space for Honest Conversations

One of the strengths of the Called conference was its honesty. Leaders spoke openly about both joy and struggle. Local churches can do the same.

Encourage spaces where potential leaders can ask:

• What is hard about ministry?
• How do you handle conflict or burnout?
• How do you balance faith, work, and family?
• Where have you experienced joy and growth?

These conversations build trust and prevent idealized—or harmful—expectations about leadership.

5. Offer Practical Support, Not Just Spiritual Affirmation

Affirmation matters, but so does tangible support. Churches that truly want to support emerging leaders should consider:

• Financial support for conferences, courses, or seminary exploration.
• Flexible roles or internships that allow for learning.
• Help navigating denominational resources and pathways.
• Prayer that is specific, ongoing, and relational—not one-off.

Support also means staying connected, even if someone discerns a call beyond the local congregation.

6. Remember: Calling Is a Community Practice

Discernment is not meant to happen alone. Local churches play a critical role by walking with people over time—offering feedback, encouragement, and accountability.

When churches take this work seriously, they communicate something vital: You are not on your own, and your gifts matter to the body of Christ.

Questions for Discussion:

• Who in our congregation might God already be preparing for leadership?
  Are there people who demonstrate faithfulness, curiosity, or care for others that we may be overlooking?
• How do we talk about “calling” in our church?
  Do we create space for questions, uncertainty, and exploration—or do we tend to speak about call only in formal or finished terms?
• What low-risk opportunities do we currently offer for people to explore leadership?
  Are there small, concrete steps we could add that would help demystify ministry and leadership roles?
• How well do we balance honesty and encouragement when talking about ministry?
  Do potential leaders hear both the joys and challenges of leadership in ways that are grounded and healthy?
• What practical support could we offer to someone discerning a call right now?
  This might include mentorship, financial assistance, training opportunities, or simply sustained prayer and check-ins.
• How do we walk with people whose call may lead beyond our congregation?
  Are we prepared to bless, support, and stay connected with leaders God may be sending elsewhere?
• What is one small, realistic step our church could take in the next six months to better support emerging leaders?
  What would it look like to start—not perfectly, but faithfully?