Encouraging the Called to Be Qualified: An ELI Asia Vision for 2026
We at ELI Asia firmly believe that we should support those who are called to be qualified. This phrase serves as a guiding concept for preparing men and women for ministry in a way that is both true to Scripture and sensitive to the needs of the church in the modern era. It is more than just a catchphrase. As we look toward 2026, theological seminaries must take this principle seriously, for the health of the church and the credibility of Christian witness depend on it.
Affirming the Calling
The first step is to affirm the calling. Many who sense God’s hand upon their lives wrestle with doubts, insecurities, or past failures. ELI Asia strives to be a place where such individuals are encouraged to trust that God uses imperfect people for His perfect purposes. The biblical record is full of examples—Moses, David, Peter, and Paul—each deeply flawed, yet chosen and empowered by God. Affirming the calling means reminding students that their past does not disqualify them from future service. Instead, it becomes part of their testimony of grace. In this day and age when many young leaders are navigating a world of rapid change and moral confusion, we pray that ELI Asia could be a place of encouragement, helping them discern God’s voice and respond with courage.
Emphasizing Growth
Yet calling is only the beginning. ELI Asia exists to nurture growth. Theological education is not merely about acquiring knowledge; it is about cultivating spiritual maturity, deepening biblical understanding, and shaping character. To be “qualified” is to be equipped for the demands of ministry—able to rightly handle the Word of truth, shepherd God’s people, and engage the world with wisdom. Growth requires intentional pursuit: prayer, study, mentorship, and accountability. We must emphasize that calling without growth leads to stagnation, while growth without calling leads to mere professionalism. The two must be held together, ensuring that ministers are both spiritually alive and theologically sound.
Upholding Standards
A healthy application of this principle also requires upholding biblical standards. The New Testament is clear that leaders in the church must meet certain qualifications—above reproach, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, and faithful in character (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1). These standards are not optional; they are safeguards for the church’s integrity. Seminaries must resist the temptation to compromise on character or doctrine for the sake of enthusiasm or numbers. At present, when churches may be tempted to prioritize charisma over holiness, seminaries must stand firm, teaching that true leadership is rooted in Christlike character and sound doctrine. Upholding standards protects the church from harm and ensures that leaders reflect the holiness of God.
Discerning Wisely
Discernment is essential. The process of qualifying the called is not done in isolation. The church community plays a vital role in affirming and testing readiness for leadership. We must train students to value communal discernment, recognizing that leadership is not self-appointed but Spirit-affirmed through the body of Christ. Scripture, not personal preference or emotion, must be the measuring stick. At a time when individualism often overshadows community, we must model wise discernment, teaching future leaders to submit their calling to the testing and affirmation of the church.
Balancing Grace and Standards
The phrase “God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called” beautifully captures God’s grace and sovereignty. It reassures us that ministry is not reserved for the elite but open to all whom God chooses. Yet this truth must be balanced with the reality that God sets standards for leadership. Grace does not negate responsibility; rather, it empowers us to pursue holiness. We must teach that this phrase is not a license to place unqualified individuals in positions of authority. Instead, it is an invitation to grow, to be equipped, and to pursue maturity that honors God and serves His people well.
Why Does It Matter?
As we approach 2026, the church faces unique challenges: cultural shifts, digital transformation, moral crises, and increasing skepticism toward religious institutions. In this context, we must be intentional about forming leaders who are both called and qualified. The credibility of the church depends on leaders who embody integrity, wisdom, and spiritual depth. A seminary that encourages the called to be qualified is not only preparing individuals for ministry; it is safeguarding the witness of the gospel in a fractured world. By affirming calling, emphasizing growth, upholding standards, and discerning wisely, we ensure that the next generation of leaders will be faithful stewards of God’s mission.
Let us celebrate the calling—and commit to the qualifying. For ELI Asia in 2026, this is not optional; it is essential. The health of the church, the integrity of its witness, and the advancement of God’s kingdom depend on leaders who are both called by God and qualified through faithful preparation. At ELI Asia, we embrace this vision, trusting that as we encourage the called to be qualified, we are equipping the church for a future that honors Christ and serves His people with excellence.
Our ministry of providing affordable theological and ministerial training to pastors and lay leaders is made possible by the financial support of individuals and churches. Every seed that is sown is used to fulfill our mission of equipping leaders for effective church ministry.
May you prayerfully consider partnering with us by supporting our ministry in prayers and finances? Please seriously pray about it and if the Lord leads you to join with us, ask Him how much He would like you to give. Some may want to partner with us on a monthly basis, while others may want to give a one-time gift. The size of the gift is not as important as walking in obedience to whatever the Lord leads you to give.
Grace and mercy be yours in abundance!
FOR LOCAL DONORS
Donors in the Philippines may deposit their financial gifts to Triune Biblical Asia, BPI Better Living Branch, SA 6253-1824-05.
FOR DONORS FROM THE USA
“ELI Asia” is in the list of missionaries/mission orgs of World Ministries. Donors may send their support electronically, by going to their website (worldmin.org) or specifically, https://www.continuetogive.com/4903086/donation_prompt. Then click “designated to” then select “Joya, Nicky–ELI Asia.”
A tax deductible receipt would then be sent to the donor.
Donors may also send their checks via regular mail to World Ministries P.O. Box 491656 Leesburg, Florida 34749-1656. Just make sure to write the designation for your gift in the memo of your check.
World Ministries (a 501c3) organization is incorporated as “World Ministries a New Jersey non-profit corporation”. Our offices are now located in Leesburg, Florida.
