My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The first half of the book is about God’s general calling on all believers, summarizing the concept of calling in Scripture. The second half is about the calling to pastoral ministry. Pastoral ministry is not a ministry of high rank, but rather of high responsibility in servant hood. All authority derives from Christ. The work is primarily the ministry of the Word, but also includes leadership, oversight, mercy ministries, evangelism, etc. The various titles for an overseer point to the wide variety of gifts required for the work. The final chapter, “Clear Calling,” is the portion I found most helpful. The primary point of that section is that each one is responsible to use the gifts that he has received. If a person has been gifted for pastoral ministry, then the church should recognize that and he should use those gifts and service to the church. We are not permitted to neglect our gifts, but are rather commanded to fan them into flame.