Serving the Lord Full-Time

What does it take?

Paul wrote about himself:

“It pleased God, who separated me … and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles” (Galatians 1:15-16 NKJV).

His example shows that a divine call to full-time service comes from God and according to His sovereign will.

We may desire to serve the Lord full-time, encouraged by others or circumstances. Yet unless we are firmly persuaded that God is calling us to give up secular work, we should continue in it so as not to miss His will.

Full-time service is a decision made in God’s presence after much prayer. The call should be so overwhelming that we have no choice but to serve Him full-time.

No Special Categories

Going full-time does not place one in a special class apart from other believers, nor imply greater devotion, gifts, or knowledge. The Bible knows nothing of a clergy-laity distinction. Whether teacher, mechanic, nurse, or laborer, every Christian should serve faithfully to their full capacity.

The call to present our bodies as living sacrifices applies to every believer (Romans 12:1-3). Full-time servants do not automatically face fewer trials; they may face more. Yet God’s grace is sufficient for all who serve faithfully.

Recognizing the Call

Scripture and experience show a pattern: busy people serve the Lord in spare time—lunch hours, evenings, weekends, vacations. As God enlarges their sphere of service, they become so absorbed they no longer have time for secular work.

The Holy Spirit makes the full-time call plain. It is also recognized by their local assembly, which extends fellowship. This pattern is seen in Paul and Barnabas’ call (Acts 13:1-4).

Personal Requirements

Losing interest in a job or failing to enter school is not a call to full-time service. Faith in God’s will—not circumstances—must guide us.

Examine your life: How many people are you telling about Christ? Are you studying the Scriptures diligently? Are you faithfully gathering with believers (Hebrews 10:25)? Are you preparing to teach others? If engaged in pastoral care, are you involved with the weak and discouraged regularly?

Those called must be gentle, patient teachers, exemplifying meekness, love, and wisdom (2 Timothy 2:24). Study Jesus as the Perfect Servant (Matthew 11:29), and be an example in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity (1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Peter 5:1-9).

Financial Support

God provides for His servants as they step out in faith. He does not teach seeking a fixed salary or pledges but leads them to rely on His promises. God moves His people to minister to their needs individually or collectively. Many full-time servants testify to God’s faithfulness in this.

Preparation

Paul spent time in Arabia after his salvation (Galatians 1:17-19). Our "Arabia" is time alone with God through His Word and prayer, a lifelong process guided by the Holy Spirit (John 14:26; 16:13).

Timothy received on-the-job training with Paul, serving as a son with a father in the Gospel (Acts 16:1-4; Philippians 2:19-22). Paul urged him to entrust teachings to faithful men who can teach others (2 Timothy 2:2). Young believers should seek fellowship with mature Christians and serve alongside them.

Seminary or Bible school may help some, but God’s Word does not require formal training to be fitted for service. God values those He has taught and trained personally.

Essentials for Service

Those called full-time must abide in Christ, the true Vine, to bear fruit (John 15:1-7). They must cleanse themselves from the world’s evil to become vessels of honor, sanctified and useful for every good work (2 Timothy 2:21).

Training and preparation continue until we reach glory with Him.

— Grant Steidl