Do you get the feeling that God might be calling you outside of the church?
The church is an amazing place to learn, grow, and fellowship. But for many of us, it isn’t the place where God is calling us to invest our gifts.
If you’re wrestling with feelings of confusion, hurt, or even resentment over the fact that the church hasn’t recognized your calling it’s time take action. No need to leave your church or get up in arms about the way you’ve been treated.
You simply need to take your next step! Your next step is finding or creating outlets to pursue your calling and plug in your gifts. Keep reading to get started!
Signs God is calling you to use your gifts outside of the church
Wondering how you’ll know if God is calling you outside of the church? Below are some tell tail signs that God is beckoning you to use your gifts and invest in work that furthers His kingdom outside of the four walls of the church.
You could have a greater impact outside of your current role
You know you have more to offer. Your time, effort, energy, and gifts are going mostly untapped. Do you get the sense that some of the functions you currently provide for your church could have a greater impact elsewhere?
You don’t have to play it small or minimize the amazing gifts you’ve been given! Explore the possibility of expanding your gifts outside of the church. Pray about spaces where God is calling you to expand your gifts in ways that advance His kingdom.
You feel overlooked, ignored, or resentful
Does it feel like people who are less qualified are performing a function in the church that you could do better? Take a moment to participate in an attitude check. If you’re attitude isn’t steeped in mean spiritedness it’s entirely possible that your feelings of being overlooked and ignored are valid.
Overtime, being overlooked and ignored can lead to resentment. And we know resentment does not produce the fruit of the spirit…
If you are truly being overlooked or ignored for opportunities to use your gifts in the church it’s entirely possible that God is calling you out. It’s entirely possible that you might be overlooked and ignored in the church so that you are forced to go where God is truly calling you.
You have a vision
You dream big, have innovative ideas, and the passion to bring your vision to life but the church isn’t getting on board. This could very likely mean that your vision spans beyond the capacity of the church. Vision is going to arrive back on the stage of this post in a moment. For now, take stock of the visions you have for kingdom advancement.
Do you dream of ways to further God’s kingdom but fail to find support in the church for your vision? Embrace the call to bring your vision to life outside of the church building!
Please note: The signs outlined above aren’t hard and fast rules for being called outside the church. The signs listed above are a great way to get an idea of where God is calling you but you don’t have to subscribe to all (or any) of the signs above to be called outside of the four walls of your church.
Pray about it first
Before getting into the rest of this post pause and pray. Ask God to guide your next steps carefully.
You’ll need an abundance of wisdom and discernment as you research ways to honor your calling and plug in your gifts. Here are some specific items to pray for:
- God’s will – Lord is it your will that I seek opportunities outside of my congregation?
- Confirmation – God confirm your call through encouragement from others, wisdom from your word, and your voice
- Support – Father, give me the support I need to do what you’ve called me to do outside of the church
- Opportunity – Pave the path for me. Open doors and arrange encounters.
Pray through the items above often.
One of the most attractive things about plugging our gifts and calling into the church is the abundance of support and resources. Forging ahead on your own is going to require a dependence on the Lord like you’ve never know before.
Look for Opportunities Outside of the Church
Notice how opportunities was the last item on that prayer list above? It might have been last but it’s certainly not least.
This is a big one. Getting plugged in at a church isn’t hard. There are opportunities to work with youth, greet new congregants, help lead worship, and so on.
When we strike out into the big, wild world we have to be more intentional about finding opportunities to invest our gifts.
Networking
The best way to start looking for opportunities to operate in your calling is through networking. Start right now by going through the contacts in your phone or your list of friends on Facebook. What names stand out to you as people you could take to coffee?
Reach out and ask these people if you can meet up. The goal of this coffee date is to learn more about what they do. Naturally, the conversation should switch to you at some point. At that point, tell your coffee date that your seeking ways to use your gifts and operate in your calling.
Eventually you are going to cross paths with someone who knows of a job or serve opportunity that is perfect for you!
Serving
If you don’t discover of any job leads or opportunities to use your gifts in a serving capacity seek out serve roles on your own.
Get to work researching local non-profits. Do any non-profits in your area or online need an intern or volunteer with your gifts or passions?
Serving is as great way to refine your skills, use what God has given you to give back to others, and make connections.
Important note: Be especially discerning here. Not every opportunity is a good one. Like that friend that is sure your calling is to join her MLM team…is that really an opportunity from God?
Jokes aside, learn to flex your “no” muscle. You can usually reverse your “no” for a “yes” later on. It’s much harder to retract your “yes”.
Create Opportunities Outside of the Church
By this point, you might be feeling a bit uninspired. If you really hate the idea of trying to find a job or service role that utilizes your gifts you might be called to build something that doesn’t exist. This requires you to create opportunities.
Pray
First things first, before jumping into the exciting work of creating a business, non-profit or movement of your own pray diligently for God’s leading. It’s important to bring up prayer again because if we aren’t careful the line between our calling and creative ideas can get really blurry.
This is a space where you want to ask for God’s leading, discernment, and confirmation.
Cast Vision
Once you’re all prayed up, start casting vision. Spend some time dreaming with God about what your calling could look like.
Is your vision to open a safe house?
Start a business that gives back?
Ignite a movement that gets believers excited about reading the Bible again?
Whatever you’re called to do don’t skip this step! It’s crucial to have a vision before forging ahead.
Build
Be stubborn about the vision, but flexible with your plan.
John C. Maxwell
With a vision in mind you can start building. The building phase can be bewildering so start small. Map out your most important next steps and get to work!
And don’t forget to recruit some help along the way. You’ll need a strong network of friends and supporters to sustain your vision.
Connect
Remember the advice above about initiating coffee dates? That strategy comes back into play here. Rather than taking friends and acquaintances out to coffee to feel out opportunities you might arrange coffee dates to share more about what your vision.
Be sure to balance the conversation. The point here is not to pitch your big ideas and leave. The real goal here is spreading the word.
Note: It never hurts to share exciting news on social media but beware it won’t totally get the job done. You’ll need to connect with real people face to face to really spread the word and gain momentum.
Your turn!
Stepping into a calling that is outside of the church or taking the leap to start something new can be scary. In moments of fear or doubt remember this truth: There are people in this world who need what you have been called to do.
Go forth confidently in your next step. Whether your next step is building your network or creating opportunities that don’t exist yet it’s vital that you get moving!
Need some help?
Need help taking your next step? Let’s chat!
Hi I’m Bailey and I’m passionate about helping women elevate their confidence and increase clarity. I work with women who struggle with the confidence and clarity necessary to pursue their God-given calling. I help them discern God’s voice, get in touch with their dreams and identify their God given gifts so they can pursue their calling and make an impact.
Book a free Discovery Call here.
Leave a Reply
Your email is safe with us.