The Call Before the Crowd

Rediscovering Your Calling Apart from Applause

Key Verse:
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” — Galatians 1:10 (NIV)

---

Introduction: The Tug Between Applause and Assignment

There is a silent tension that runs through the heart of every pastor at some point in their ministry: the craving for affirmation. It doesn’t begin with sinful intent. It often starts innocently enough—a heartfelt thank-you, a full sanctuary, a growing online following. But over time, something shifts. The clapping hands can drown out the still, small voice that called us in the first place.

Galatians 1:10 hits like a clarifying thunderclap. The Apostle Paul draws a stark line between pleasing people and serving Christ. The two are not always compatible. If we anchor our ministries in human approval, we will find ourselves swaying with the shifting winds of cultural preference and congregational expectations. But if we center our hearts on the approval of Christ, we will stand firm—even when the applause fades.

Remembering the Moment You Were Called

Paul’s words aren’t theoretical. They come from a man who had turned his back on Pharisaic popularity to follow a crucified Savior. And many of us had that kind of moment too—the unmistakable pull of God’s Spirit, maybe during a revival, on a quiet drive, or through a mentor’s challenge. You knew deep in your soul: “This is what I was made for.”

When ministry becomes more about managing people than ministering the Word, it's time to pause and return to that moment. As Leonard Ravenhill said, “The only time you should look back is to see how far you've come." Revisit your calling. It wasn’t based on gifting, crowd size, or performance. It was based on obedience to the voice of God.

“It would have been a fearful thing for me to have occupied the watchman's place without having received the watchman's commission.”
— Charles Spurgeon

Why the Applause of Men Fades—and Must

It’s not wrong to be appreciated. Paul even tells the churches to honor their leaders. But when we become dependent on it, we fall into ministry idolatry.

John Piper wrote, “Man’s disapproval cannot hurt you and man’s approval cannot satisfy you.” That’s liberating and terrifying at the same time. But it’s true. If your emotional and spiritual health is tied to how many people show up, how many clap, or how many follow you, then burnout isn’t a possibility—it’s inevitable.

Crowds are fickle. Just ask Jesus. On Palm Sunday, they shouted “Hosanna!” but by Friday, they cried “Crucify Him!” That same fluctuation can happen in modern ministry. One moment you’re the greatest pastor they’ve ever had. The next, you’re accused of being out of touch or too direct. Our joy cannot be rooted in their response. It must be rooted in God's presence.

Practical Ways to Refocus on the Call

Here are six practical steps to keep your heart aligned with your calling—not the crowd:

1. Revisit Your “Calling Day” Annually
   Set aside time each year to remember how God called you. Journal it. Preach from it. Let it rekindle your purpose.

2. Audit Your Motivations
   Before preparing your next sermon, ask: “Would I still preach this message if it offended the biggest donor in the room?”

3. Eliminate Ego Metrics
   Stop checking how many views your sermon got online. Focus instead on the transformation you’re seeing in lives.

4. Surround Yourself with Grounded Voices
   Have a mentor or elder who is unimpressed by numbers but impressed by obedience. Let them speak into your life regularly.

5. Reclaim the Secret Place
   Ministry should be an overflow of intimacy with God. If your public ministry outpaces your private devotion, your soul is in danger.

6. Preach as Worship
   See each sermon not as a performance but as an offering. You’re not preaching for the people; you’re preaching before God.

Encouragement from Real Ministry Giants

Martyn Lloyd-Jones once said,

“The preacher’s first, and most important task is to realize that he is standing in the presence of God and to remember that he is dealing with and speaking to immortal souls.”

That kind of reverence cannot coexist with a desire for popularity. When your focus is God’s presence and people’s eternity, the applause of men seems trivial.

Vance Havner, the fiery evangelist, put it plainly:

“If you stand by the Word of God, you will be unpopular with some people. But that’s not the issue. The issue is: are you popular with God?”

You must decide whose approval matters most.

Prayer Thought

Heavenly Father,
Forgive me for the times I’ve drifted toward pleasing people instead of pleasing You. You called me, not because I was impressive, but because You are gracious. Restore my sense of awe at Your calling. Let me find joy again in the quiet moments of obedience, not just the loud applause of success. Fill me with Your Spirit to serve wholeheartedly—whether the room is full or empty, whether I’m celebrated or criticized. I am Your servant. That is enough. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pastoring Tip of the Week

Take a morning this week—just one morning—and leave your calendar empty. Go to the place where you first felt God’s call. If it’s not possible physically, revisit it in prayer. Reflect deeply. Journal what you felt back then and what you feel now. Then write a short letter to your future self, reminding you why you do what you do. Keep it in your Bible. On the days when ministry feels thankless or heavy, open it, read it, and remember: you were called before the crowd ever came.

---