Am I being called to preach?

from the old testament

• Though not referring to preaching, the Old Testament provides several examples of God calling people to speak on His behalf (Exodus 3:1-12; Isaiah 6:1-8; Jeremiah 1:4-10; Amos 7:14-15).

from the new testament

• While every believer is called to testify about Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20), a preaching ministry is specifically for pastors, also known as overseers or elders, whom Christ appoints to His church for its growth (Ephesians 4:11; 1 Peter 5:1-3). Being a pastor involves consistently explaining and applying Scripture to God’s people. This includes both the public act of preaching and personal care for church members.
• Because being a pastor (also known as an elder) involves more than just preaching, the question is broader than “am I called to preach?” but “am I called to be a shepherd?” Paul said, “If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task” (1 Timothy 3:1). It is a “noble task” because it includes taking responsibility and caring for the souls in a local church. While the most visible part of a pastor’s work is public preaching, much of his effort is behind the scenes, counseling and encouraging members of the church whom Jesus has entrusted to his care.
• Pastors are supposed to be the most spiritually mature men in a church because they care for others' souls, Paul said they must be above reproach, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, gentle, and examples in their homes and communities (1 Timothy 3:2-7). He gave a similar list to Titus, emphasizing blamelessness and integrity so that their teaching is supported by a life that reflects the Gospel (Titus 1:6-9). He described being “above reproach” as “not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined” (Titus 1:7b). Therefore, anyone who desires to be a pastor and feels called by God must be willing to confront sin and allow God to mature them before they are ready to preach.
• Additionally, a pastor is someone who has a Spirit-given gift to teach. Paul said they “must be … able to teach” (1 Timothy 3:2) and that “he must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it” (Titus 1:9). In a pastor’s public and private ministry, they will consistently point others toward what is good and away from what is bad. To do so, they need to be clear, understandable, and patient.
• Scripture also clarifies who may hold this office. Although it goes against worldly norms, Paul wrote, “I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man” (1 Timothy 2:12). He based his argument on the creation order and Eve being more prone to deception than Adam. He stated, “For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor” (1 Timothy 2:13-14). This does not mean that Paul's writings reflect a low view of women but affirm that God specifically designed men and women with complementary roles, with church leadership being limited to men.
• The desire to preach should be carefully and thoroughly tested because the task is significant. Paul instructed Timothy, “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2). Outside of a few well-known “mega pastors,” most pastors work in obscurity, carrying the weight of their congregations’ sin, struggling with their own, and living in a world that despises those who proclaim Christ. On top of that, God will judge each pastor more strictly because of the increased damage they can cause to His people (James 3:1-5). In short, being a preacher is challenging.
• Because of these stakes, churches are called to carefully examine and confirm an individual's sense of calling to preach, being cautious in sending someone out as a preacher (1 Timothy 5:22). Opportunities to teach, monitored by mature believers, and the confirmation of elders help clarify whether the Lord is truly appointing a man to this work.

implications for today

If you feel drawn to preach, start with honest prayer before the Lord. Check your heart for pride and watch out for any desire to be seen rather than to serve. If you believe the call might be real, involve trusted, godly men in the process. Share your desire, seek their counsel, and look for opportunities to serve in appropriate teaching settings where your gifts and readiness can be observed. Be receptive to feedback, especially from elders, and be prepared to demonstrate that your character is sound (1 Timothy 3:1-7). Remember, it is God who calls preachers. If He is calling you, He will guide you there. He protects His church from false teaching, so not everyone who will someday preach is ready yet. Many pastors started as young men doing unseen acts of service. Be faithful with what is in front of you now. Those who later become pastors often already cared for souls before they had the title. Don’t wait for recognition before helping those in need of spiritual care.

While waiting for confirmation or direction, guard your character. A true call to preach is rooted in the foundation of repentance, self-control, love, and faithfulness at home and in the church. If married, shepherd your household well; if single, nurture integrity and purity. As you grow, seek training, read diligently, and practice explaining Scripture clearly. When given teaching opportunities, observe if people understand and are helped, and whether experienced leaders affirm your handling of the Word. If you are a woman sensing a desire to teach, direct your gifts toward the many vital ministries Scripture commends while honoring God’s design for preaching. If you are a man with desire, growing ability, and confirmed character, pursue the next steps with humility and courage, ready to serve Jesus’ flock.