A recent study reveals that divinity or theological schools have seen an increase in enrollment of “boomers.” That is, increasing from 12 percent of theological students in 1995 to 21 percent in 2010, there are more students who are in their 40’s, 50’s, 60’s. Eliza Smith Brown of the Association of Theological Schools comments: “Many boomers are looking to spend their time in ways that hold greater meaning and make a positive difference in the world.”
It is a good thing that folks of my generation are finding a renewed sense of calling to enter into a vocation with “greater meaning.” For the people mentioned in the study it means entering into some aspect of the gospel ministry. I am sure that they can bring with them the wisdom of life experiences to their newfound ministry.
At the same time, I also wonder whether there are those whom God had been calling to ministry, even in their younger years, but have allowed the concerns of this world to drown out the voice of God on the matter. I know of some who express a sense of regret that they chose to ignore God’s call, and somehow now think that it is “too late” to do anything about it. But if the call of God remains, it is never too late. What is needed is simply to respond in obedience—even if it means making a serious reordering and adjusting of the life one has already set for oneself.
There is more to the matter. It has often been said that the highest calling is the call to be a pastor. I beg to disagree. Am I then saying that being a pastor is not the highest calling? Not at all. I am a pastor. And I believe I am in the highest place that the Lord has called me to be. But that’s for me. This is where the Lord has called me to be right now. It may not be so for someone else.
The point is that the highest calling for any person is determined by God himself. Where God wants you to serve, that is your highest calling. For some it may be in the business field; for others the field of medicine, or science, or construction, or homemaking. It’s about making a difference for the sake of Christ in whatever station of life or field of influence. The truth is, we have many different roles to fill in life—parent, child, sibling, spouse, boss, employee. The challenge is to know Christ’s will—to hear his call—for you in your every role and to do everything with a view to honor Christ and to uphold his values with faithfulness and integrity. “Each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them” (1 Corinthians 7.17 NIV).
Whether you are young, or much older, it’s all about hearing God’s call and choosing to obey him without setting up conditions for obedience. You are never too young or too old to hear God’s call and to obey him.
—Keith Y. Jainga