Wow, where do you start with the call of God in one’s life. Well first - we need to recognize this important truth. “Before God calls us to ministry, He calls us to Himself.” And this calling is “a holy calling.” (2 Timothy1:9) Listen to these powerful words from 1 Corinthians 1:9. “God is faithful by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ.”  This is a calling from God to each one of us.
Having said that - please recognize that the call for our salvation proceeds and grounds all other callings. That call supplies my identity. Knowing Christ as Lord and Savior surpasses everything. Being chosen for ministry is great. Being chosen for Sonship is infinitely better. Who am I?  I’m one with Christ, no matter what happens with any specific calling I may have.  My union with Him is the most meaningful thing about me.
To anyone called to any ministry, the truth is “the gospel is adequate - we are not.”  Think about it. The gospel says we’re not perfect - were not even capable - but here’s the good news.  Acknowledging those limitations is what makes you fit for the work of your calling and starts you on the path of being useful to God.  God designs gospel ministry so that it diminishes us an exalts Him. “God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong…so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:27,29) … God arranges ministry so that it flows from weakness.

Out of our initial calling to salvation - comes a more specific calling … and this can be to many things. One is what we are celebrating today and we affirm Andy and Laura in their call together into pastoral ministry.
God raises up leaders to ensure the Gospel is preached, applied and valued in the daily life of the church. The purpose of ministry is tied to and proceeds from the “evangelion” the gospel.  Remove the gospel and authentic biblical ministry disappears.  If we don’t have the gospel we don’t have a job.  Today we affirm one who we believe is called to the ministry of the proclamation of the gospel for people inside and outside the church.  We come to this moment with glad hearts and hopeful expectations.