by Barbara L. Carter, Council of Twelve Apostles

Saul, from Tarsus was an educated Roman and a Pharisee. He is known for relentlessly persecuting Christians in Jerusalem after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.

The scriptures tell us Saul would enter a house, drag out the women and men, and send them to prison (Acts 8:3). Saul traveled extensively, attacking the Christian way of life and using his authority and power to influence others to do the same.

And then one day, while traveling to Damascus to send many believers of Jesus to prison, an experience altered his life. He met the Risen Christ and was called (Acts 9:3–8).

A disciple, Ananias, had a vision in which the Lord instructed him to go to Saul, for “he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel…” (Acts 9:15 NRSV). Ananias was not eager to go to Saul because Saul’s reputation was widespread. Ananias had heard of him and what he had done. But God called Ananias, and he went (Acts 9:17–19).

From that time forward, Saul, who became Paul (Acts 13:9), began proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God. He became a determined witness of the resurrection of Jesus and the new life found through believing in the Christ.

Despite what people observed about Paul, “God calls whoever God calls.” Based on Saul’s history and actions,

no one would have predicted that Paul one day would be a foundational witness to Christ’s mission.

People do not “earn” callings based on “works.” God sees the potential for priesthood ministry within some and calls them. Then the choice is up to the person on how to respond to the call and whether to align his or her life to use the gifts for God’s purposes. It is only when we see with God’s eyes that we can recognize calling in others. We see the Holy Spirit moving in and through individuals, shaping and preparing them through discipleship to serve in various aspects of the faith community and our world.

In Paul’s situation, he was trying to respond faithfully to what he thought was God’s call when God showed him a new way. In other situations, God calls people who are immersed in complicated situations and challenges them to change their lives.

Consider the Samaritan woman who encountered Jesus at the well. She was living outside the moral laws understood by her community, but she accepted a holy understanding of who Jesus was and the forgiveness and new life offered to her. She understood this was not for her alone, but was for all humanity.

So she returned to her village and told everyone she saw about her time with Jesus. Amazingly, they listened. Many came to follow Jesus because of her witness (John 4:39).

The stories of God calling individuals from diverse backgrounds for diverse ministry are endless:

Matthew, a tax collector who Jesus invited to follow him. Matthew, who worked for the Romans and

himself, was not a friend of the Jews. The scriptures tell us that on receiving the invitation he immediately followed Jesus. That night he invited friends for dinner to meet Jesus. He witnessed of new life in Christ for the rest of his life.

himself, was not a friend of the Jews. The scriptures tell us that on receiving the invitation he immediately followed Jesus. That night he invited friends for dinner to meet Jesus. He witnessed of new life in Christ for the rest of his life. Peter, a fisherman with a lively personality, dropped his nets and picked up the message of hope. His life was a living sacrifice.

Joseph Smith III was called out of his life to lead the faith community that had contributed to his father’s death.

Brian, Faith, and Evan, young adults from a Community of Christ urban congregation, were called. They responded with a passion for bringing the message of hope and new life to other young adults who had been pushed to the edges or even outside the faith community. They are committed to offering a safe ministry where healing can take place.

Jerry and Ed, a county sheriff and a mental-health counselor, are called. They have been gifted to see the God-given Worth of All Persons—no matter their past—and offer new life in Christ in Community of Christ.

We have always understood that All Are Called according to their gifts (Doctrine and Covenants 119:8b). God sees the potential within all to minister to others. Our response to God’s call determines whether we will provide Spirit-led service to others. From the Enduring Principle, All Are Called:

God graciously gives people gifts and opportunities to do good and to share in God’s purposes. Jesus Christ invites people to follow him by becoming disciples who share his life and ministry. We respond faithfully, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to our best understanding of God’s call.

Some disciples are called and ordained to particular priesthood responsibilities and ministries for the sake of the community, the congregation, and the world.

Again, “God calls who God will call.” In priesthood, God invites individuals into covenant with God and the faith community. They are called to bring servant ministry reflecting the life of Christ to all humanity in places where they work, live, and play. They are called to bring servant ministry that sustains and leads the faith community.

Priesthood is not a privilege or a personal right. It is lived with the community as we strive to live Christ’s mission in the world. Just as in the scriptures, individuals are called into priesthood to serve in response to living Christ’s mission.

The Covenant Principles for Faithful Priesthood Ministry remind us that calling is two-way. When God calls, it is up to individuals to choose to respond by aligning their lives for faithful priesthood ministry.