If someone became a pastor without a "calling," would that person be a false teacher?
2 Peter 2:1
ESV - 1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.
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Asked August 01 2017
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Sunny Cortez
Supporter
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Tim Maas
Supporter
To me, the two issues raised by the question (having a "calling" as a pastor, and being a false teacher) are separate concerns. A person having a calling to the pastorate would seem to me to be related to how well the individual's natural abilities, talents, and personality "fit" with the demands of ministry; or to specific life events that led the person to believe that ministry was the work that God intended for him. The lack of such a calling might reduce the person's motivation, dedication, or effectiveness as a pastor, but would not necessarily make him a false teacher. Being a false teacher (in the sense that Peter was speaking of in the passage cited in the question) seems to me to be more a matter of deliberate intent to deceive or mislead. The person might put on a front of piety and dedication to God, but would be consciously and willfully promulgating untrue ideas as doctrine or guidance; denying or misrepresenting key elements of the Christian faith; and/or purposely leading others away from Christ.
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