Live A Life Worthy of Your Calling

By Rev. Karla Leiby, Assistant to the Bishop

Ever hear the phrase “born leader” and think you know someone who is a natural born leader? While God does give each of us unique gifts and abilities, some of which are the characteristics inherent to good leaders, the truth is that leaders are formed not born. It is the collective of our learning and life experiences that form us into good leaders. It is the Spirit that encourages and strengthens us in those leadership skills. And it is God who calls to us to leadership of all kinds for the sake of the church and the world.

At our last Synod Assembly, there was a key message in the scripture passage from Ephesians 4: “lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” But how do we know to where or to what God is calling us? There is this fascinating and sometimes scary tool we’ve been given called Discernment. This gift of discernment is often referred to as wisdom, understanding, truth, and testing. It is the way in which we listen for the guidance of the Spirit through listening, praying, considering our spiritual gifts, and having conversations with others. Believe it or not, you already know how to do this, because God calls us throughout our lifetime in many ways and to many different things. Sometimes responding to these calls is huge and lifechanging. Other times it’s on a smaller scale, but none that less, something that God needs us to complete. Over my lifetime God called me to:
• Lead a Bible Study
• Help coordinate the Vacation Bible School
• Bake cookies and make soup for church events
• Learn to be a Lay Worship Leader
• Become a Pastor
• Help with Leadership Formation for our Synod

In each of these things God called me to, God also provided what I needed to accomplish it. Whether it was connection with other leaders, study materials, courage, hope, financial support, or even confidence, I received what I needed in the moment. And God’s not done with me yet, for I am still hearing the nudge of the call to be part of God’s Work in the world.
What might God be calling you to? This is not always an easy question to answer. Many say, “I don’t know.” And that is where discernment comes in. It is multifaceted and requires us to be intentional about hearing the movement of the Spirit within and around us.

Discernment has 3 steps, each of equal importance:
• Internal Call – What is God placing on your heart? What brings you joy?
• External Call – What are others saying about your gifts?
• Opportunity – How does this sense of call match up with the needs of Christ’s Church?

So why am I talking to you so much about Discernment? We have an exciting event coming up for you to learn more about the Discernment process and to explore where God might be calling you to live deeper into the Good News of Christ Jesus. We will spend time in community intentionally listening for God’s Call for each of us in this time and in this place. You’ll have the opportunity to have conversations with leaders and peers about what you are discovering about God’s call for you and where that might lead.
The call to leadership is for everyone, and God provides the tools that we need to lead wherever and however we are sent. Join us for this amazing event in October and spend some time discerning what God has in mind for you!

Sacred Steps, A Discernment Event