The Call to Lead

Bailey felt the call to ministry early in his life. As a 7th grader, he was asked to share his testimony at Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and was greatly impacted by that opportunity. That call grew louder as youth leaders and pastors discipled him through high school, affirming his giftings and modeling healthy church leadership. He shares, “Over time God continued to reinforce and clarify my call to ministry, so by the time I was in college, I was certain that I wanted to work in a church and become a pastor.”

Throughout college, Bailey sought out various leadership roles in ministry that eventually brought him to Dallas for a church residency program. In 2022, he accepted a position on our Highland Students team, sharing “I felt this really clear call to be here, to lead these students, and to plant roots here.” 

As he settled into his new role in student ministry, God’s quiet voice stirred in his heart once more, prompting him to begin the process of becoming an ordained minister. Through the ECO denomination, candidates undergo evaluations, complete exams, and participate in retreats and mentorships. For a little over two years, Bailey stepped quietly through the ordination process, taking each lesson to heart and listening carefully for God’s guidance. Each new phase of the process, refined his call, drawing him closer to Christ and his understanding of his role as a pastor. He shares, “This process has ultimately been the call to be more like Jesus – to be more servant-hearted, more servant-minded, and to adopt, in my everyday life, that it is truly greater to give than it is to receive.”  

This past Sunday, Bailey reached the end of ordination process, and took his vows to become an ordained pastor. All those years ago, Bailey didn’t know where God’s voice was calling him, but he took the next step. Looking back now, he can see the history of God’s faithfulness through every season of his life. 

The calling may look different in your life than it has for Bailey, but God is speaking to you too, inviting you to step out in faith and trust that His plan for your life is good and perfect. Take a moment to pray, asking that God will show you the next step and give you the courage to take it, whatever it may be.