Exploring the Celestial Transformation: Calling and Provision a Heuristic Study

Authors

  • Mandla Khumalo Life Changing Bible and Ministry University, South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30983/belief.v2i2.8616

Keywords:

Heuristic Inquiry, Transformation, Divine Calling, Provision

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to explore the concept of God’s divine calling and His provision for Ministers within the Christian faith using heuristic inquiry framework. It argues that God calls Ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to service and provides accordingly for the sustenance of that call. Firstly He calls them into knowing and obeying Him. That ultimately, leads to service. What does spiritual calling entails? What are the perceptions of God’s call to his disciples? How does God call disciples into Ministry? These are the three questions the study attempted to contribute answers to. Data was collected from seven co-researchers who were between 29 and 54 years of age. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect the data. The data was analyzed and synthesized using Moustakas (1990) approach and four themes emerged. The results revealed that there are different approaches used by God to call His people into Ministry. The age and gender are not the major variables considered in the calling. The study concluded that a relationship with God is an important factor in the call of the Lord.

References

Adam, P. 2004. Hearing God’s Words: Exploring Biblical Spirituality (Downers Grove, IL. InterVarsity Press, 2004).

Badal, J. 2016. The Mysterious Nature of God’s Call. Article on Open Bible. 24 June 2016. Available from: www.opentheBible.org. [Accessed on June, 2022].

Baker, K. 2008. Hearing God’s Call for Life: The Impact of Call on Mobilizing Laity for Ministry. Dissertation. Asbury Theological Seminary, pp. 47.

Celebration Church. 2022. Overcoming Opposition. Pathway to Happiness. Spiritual Grown Campaign. Notes. January, 2022. Available from: www.celebrationChurch.org.

Ching, W. 2015. A Heuristic Study of Clients Spiritual Experiences in the Counselling Process. Dissertation.

Copeland, K. 2019. Six Steps to Excellence in Ministry. Book, pp.3.

Davis, A. 2013. How to Be a Victorious Christian. Book. First publication in 1975, pp.5.

Dmin, R, M, K. 2020. My testimony and my calling. Conversion and Baptism. Article. Available from: http://randymkeeley.weebly.com. [Accessed on 17 September 2022].

Doss, T. 2015. Spiritual Transformation and Its Implications for Christian Worship. Dissertation. Liberty University. Lynchburg, VA.

Fee, G, D. 1994. God’s Empowering Presence: The Holy Spirit in The Letters of Paul. Peabody, MA.-Hendrickson Publications Inc.

Fleischer, J. 2017. A Pastoral Call: Engaging the Culture from the Pulpit. Thesis. Liberty University. Spring, 2017.

Fuqua, J. 2022. "A Holistic Response to the Problem of Evil," Faith and Philosophy: Journal of the Society of Christian Philosophers: Vol. 39: ISS. 4, Article 5. DOI: 10.37977/faithphil.2022.39.4.5. Available at: https://place.asburyseminary.edu/faithandphilosophy/vol39/iss4/5

Glenn-Burns, J. 2004. Spiritual Calling, Work and Family: A Review of the Literature. Paper. University of Iowa. UNI-Scholar Works. May, 2004, pp.1.

Horton, M. 1990. The Agony of Deceit: What Some TV Preachers Are Really Teaching (Chicago, IL): Moody Press.

Jacobs, C. 2010. The Voice of God. How God Speaks Personally and Corporately to His Children Today. Book. Regal Books. California. USA, pp.86.

Jakes, T, D. 2018. Freedom is a Bloody Business. Sermon Preaching. The Porter’s House. Dallas. USA. YouTube video. Available from: www.y2mate.com.

Laffitte, J. 2022. Five Signs God Is Calling You Into Ministry. Training Manual.

Lephako, D. 2024. Prosperity Theology versus Theology of Sharing approach. Paper. HTS theological studies. Oasis. 80(1), a9544. http://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v8011.9544.

Matthevm 2015. The Abundance of God's Provision, pp. 1. Article.

McQuilkin, R. 2007. Victorious Christian Living: A Biblical Exposition of Sanctification. Book. Columbia International University, pp.13.

Michael J, C. 2000. Equipping the Saints: Mobilizing Laity for Ministry. Nashville: Abingdon.

Moustakas, C. 1990. Heuristic research: design, methodology, and applications. Newbury Park, California: Sage Publications.

Muhlenburg, J, P. 2017. Pastor, Patriot, Soldier and Senator. Order of Centurions. January 22, 2014. http://orderofcenturions.org/muhlenburg.html. [Accessed on: December 2022].

Mujaji, T, J. 2021. Self-Proclaimed Prophets and Human Security in Africa. North American Academic Research. 4(4), 194-208. DOI: https://doi.org10.5281/Zenodo/4707578.

New Day of Simplicity. 2024. What We All Need to Know about God’s Provision. Simple Living for More of Jesus. Bible Study. Available from: www.newdayos.com/2024.

Nus, P. 2003. Minority Opinion – "Theology and Practice of the Divine Call".

Oyakhilome, C. 2005. How to Make Your Faith Work. E-book. Love world Publications. Christ Embassy. Believer’s Love World. INC., pp.17.

Quicoe, D. 2023. Had I Know: Discerning the Voice of God or Satan. The Church of Pentecost.

Sabbath Afternoon. 2012. Victory Over Evil Forces. Lesson 6. Standard Edition. November 3-9 lesson, pp.3.

Snyder, L. 2012. Qualitative Research Ethics: An Heuristic Inquiry Exploring the Meaning and Application of Ethics in Qualitative Research. Thesis. University Of Calgary, Faculty of Social Work, Alberta.

Thurston, J. 2020. Five Ways Someone is Called to Ministry. Indiana Wesleyan University. Available from: http://www.indwest.edu [Accessed on: 1 September 2022].

Veith, G, E. 2011. "Vocation: The theology of the Christian life." Journal of Markets & Morality.

Volf, M. 2017. "Work, spirit, and new creation." Evangelical Review of Theology.

Wahlberg, M, A. 2014. Revelation As Devine Testimony: A Philosophical-Theological Inquiry. Thesis. Stellenbosch University. South Africa, pp.8; 35.

Wingren, G. 2004. Luther on vocation, Wipf & Stock, Eugene, OR.

Wooldridge, D. 2008. Christian Spiritual Transformation: God’s Calling and Provision and the Human Response: A Schema for Spiritual Life. Thesis. Faculty of Columbia Evangelical Seminar.

Downloads

Published

2025-01-02

How to Cite

Khumalo, M. (2025). Exploring the Celestial Transformation: Calling and Provision a Heuristic Study. BELIEF: Sociology of Religion Journal, 2(2), 83–95. https://doi.org/10.30983/belief.v2i2.8616

Citation Check