The Difference Between Calling & Assignment

The past three weeks, my husband Dan and I have been processing the definitions of two words: calling and assignment. As we intentionally lead our church—not only in understanding Scripture, but also in living out God’s purpose—we know it’s important for every person who walks through our doors to understand these two words well.

If you attend Journey Church here in Minot, this conversation probably won’t surprise you, since Dan spoke about it this weekend. But even if you’re not from our area, this is a conversation the Church needs to have regularly.

We hear the word calling a lot in church culture.

“I was called into full-time ministry.”

“I feel called to work in this field.”

“I am called to step into this new role.”

Let’s be honest—we’ve all asked the question: What in the world does it mean to be called? And maybe even more importantly: Does this mean something for me?

I know we have, because I’ve lost count of how many times these questions have come up in conversations over the years. And there’s nothing to be ashamed of in asking them. Everyone wants to know, Am I called? Because deep down, every person longs for purpose.

But maybe before we answer that question, we need to define what called even means.

Is calling something to achieve? Is it reserved for elite Christians? Is it only for pastors, missionaries, or those in full-time ministry?

Paul writes to Timothy that God “saved us and called us to a holy life” (2 Timothy 1:9). This was His plan from the very beginning, so that we could experience His grace through Jesus.

And in John 15:16, Jesus reminds His disciples that even when they didn’t choose Him first, He chose them—and appointed them to produce fruit.

Friend, you are called.

If you are a follower of Jesus, there is already a clear calling on your life: to know God and to make Him known. What an incredible calling that is. You don’t have to carry the title of Pastor, Missionary, or Sunday School Teacher. You simply have to carry the heart of Jesus and bear fruit.

How you produce that fruit is where your assignment comes in.

While we are all called to make our heavenly Father known, each of us has a unique assignment—a distinct way we contribute to the evangelization of the world.

Some of us work in classrooms, loving students and fellow teachers well while representing Jesus within the walls of our schools.

Some of us build homes and pave roads, caring for coworkers and sharing stories of God’s faithfulness while driving nails and smoothing concrete.

Some of us are stay-at-home moms, raising children to know and love Jesus, showing that love through the way we care for friends and family.

So where has God placed you in this season?

What assignment has He entrusted to you?

What unique contribution has He given you to help others not only hear the name of Jesus, but truly know Him?

Your purpose is beautiful—almost as beautiful as the One who gave it to you.

Chase after it.

Produce fruit.

He chose you.