As church leaders, we often find ourselves juggling several tasks, responsibilities, and ministries—all at once. But amidst the busyness and new opportunities that come our way, it's crucial to understand the difference between our calling and our assignment. Confusing the two can lead to insecurity, burnout, missed opportunities, misplaced identity, and even disappointment when seasons shift. One of the best pieces of advice I was given by a trusted friend and mentor while considering a change in ministries was to remember that our ministry calling never changes, but our ministry assignments do, and that’s ok.
Calling: Who We Are in Christ
Our calling is rooted in identity, not activity. Jesus summed it up in two commands: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength… and love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:30–31). This is the essence of our calling—to love God deeply and love others sacrificially while serving His church. It’s long-term, unchanging, and foundational. Our calling flows from who we are in Christ: beloved, redeemed, and made new.
No matter what ministry assignment we take on, our calling doesn’t shift. Our roles, titles, and maybe even local church might change, but our calling to love God and love others does not. We can live out this calling in different ways.
Assignment: What We Currently Do for Christ
An assignment is a role, title, or task God gives us for a season. It might be pastoring a church, leading worship, organizing outreach, or mentoring youth. Assignments are important, but they’re not permanent. They have a start and stop date. They last for a season. God may move us, stretch us, or even call us to rest. That change doesn’t mean we’ve lost purpose—it means He’s doing something new in and through us.
Too often, we as church leaders wrap our identity in our assignment. But when the assignment ends or changes, we’re left wondering who we are. That’s why grounding ourselves in our calling and not in our assignment is critical—it stays when everything else changes.
Leading from Identity, Not Activity
As leaders, let’s remind ourselves and those we lead: who we are in Christ is more important than what we do for Him. When our identity is secure in Him, we can hold assignments with open hands, trusting God to lead us through every season.
So serve faithfully, lead boldly and always remember— don’t confuse your calling with your assignment.
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By Chad Cronin, Rooted Network Coach