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18 Things To Do If You're Called to Ministry

In this video, Pastor Jason Mayfield delivers a straight-shooting, no-nonsense guide for anyone who feels called to ministry—particularly public or preaching ministry. This isn't fluff. This isn't a motivational pep talk. This is 18 rock-solid, real-world actions that will actually set you up for success.

If you're serious about your calling, buckle up. This is what you need to do.

1. Read Your Bible Every Day (For Real)

It sounds obvious, but let’s be real—most ministers don’t do it. If you want to actually have something to say, you need to actually read the Word. And before you step on a stage, read it three times: cover-to-cover in 90-120 days, then chronologically, then using a structured plan like Tear Up Your Bible.

2. Become an Expert in Specific Bible Books

You don’t need to know everything—but you need to know something really well. Pastor Mayfield emphasizes the value of deep knowledge in certain New Testament books (like Romans, Hebrews, Galatians, and Ephesians). A strong foundation in a few key books will give you greater insight into the whole Bible.

3. Join Your Church’s Tech & Production Team

If you don’t know how to run sound, cameras, or slides, you’re at the mercy of the people who do. Learning basic tech skills makes you adaptable and ensures you never get held hostage by an unreliable media team.

4. Learn to Film and Edit Your Own Videos

The future of ministry is digital, and video is a non-negotiable tool for reaching people. Learning to record and edit will:
✔️ Expand your influence beyond the pulpit
✔️ Improve your communication skills
✔️ Provide a side hustle if money gets tight

5. Read 10 Pages of a Book Every Day

Want to grow? Read. Not just theology books—practical books. Pastor Mayfield recommends Atomic Habits, The Compound Effect, The 10X Rule, and (of course) Money from the Master’s Hand. A little daily reading adds up to 15 books a year.

6. Serve a Minister You Don’t Like

Not every pastor will be your favorite. Good. Serving under leaders you don’t vibe with builds character, patience, and the ability to work with people who may not like you either.

7. Listen to Bad Preachers You Agree With

It’s not just about WHAT you preach—it’s about HOW you preach. Listening to weak communicators (even those with solid theology) helps refine your own ability to deliver truth clearly.

8. Listen to Great Preachers You Disagree With

Content aside, some people just know how to work a stage and capture a crowd. Study their delivery, cadence, and storytelling. Learn from their strengths—without compromising your convictions.

9. Do More Off-Stage Ministry Than On-Stage Ministry

If the only time you “do ministry” is with a microphone, you’re missing the point. Clean bathrooms. Stack chairs. Work in kids’ church. Ministry is service, not just stage time.

10. Build Friendships With Other Ministers Early

The people you start with will be your lifelong friends. Ministry is lonely without a network. Find peers who are also called to ministry, and stick together.

11. Make As Much Money As Humanly Possible & Stay Out of Debt

Ministry doesn’t come with a great retirement plan. Get financially smart early. Save. Invest. Stay out of debt. The more money you have, the less money influences your decisions.

12. Don’t Get More Formal Education Than You Need

Degrees don’t guarantee impact. Most pastors don’t need multiple master’s degrees and doctorates. Get what’s necessary, but don’t bury yourself in student loans for credentials that won’t open doors.

13. Ask Your Pastor to Let You Help With a Wedding, Funeral, and Hospital Visit

No minister is fully prepared for their first wedding, funeral, or hospital visit. Get hands-on experience before you’re thrown into the deep end.

14. Learn to Exit Conversations & Meetings Quickly

People will talk your ear off forever if you let them. Learn to graciously excuse yourself, especially from long-winded Sunday morning lobby chats.

15. Be Inspired, But Don’t Compare Yourself

Social media will have you thinking everyone but you is preaching to arenas with perfect lighting and endless budgets. That’s not real life. Stay focused on your mission. You don’t need a stadium to make an impact.

16. Self-Awareness is Your Most Powerful Tool

Know your strengths. Know your weaknesses. Know how you come across to others. Self-awareness is the difference between effective leaders and oblivious ones.

17. Learn to Be Okay With a Small Platform (At First)

Not everyone gets a megachurch on day one. And that’s okay. Ministry often starts small—preaching to a handful of people in a side room or leading a Bible study for three people who barely look interested. Faithfulness in the small things prepares you for the bigger ones.

18. Work On Your Speaking & Preaching Skills Constantly

A calling to ministry doesn’t automatically make you good at communicating. Work at it. Record yourself. Watch your own sermons. Take notes. Improve your flow. No one gets up and crushes it on their first try. The best preachers put in the reps and constantly refine their craft.

Final Thoughts

If you feel called to ministry, it’s not enough to sit around waiting for a microphone to get handed to you. These 18 actions will prepare you for a strong, sustainable, and impactful ministry.

🔥 Which of these 18 steps are you working on right now? Drop a comment below and let’s talk!