Jumpstarter 9 of 10

Direct Answer Based on Riedemann as quoted by Dean Taylor, evidence of a true call would include Spirit-filled character, conformity to Christ “in word and life,” a sensed inner compulsion from God, and confirmation by the congregation—not self-chosen ministry aimed at comfort or status. That would likely narrow who gets promoted, and prioritize proven discipleship and sacrificial shepherding over charisma or career goals.

Support from Transcript:

• Riedemann grounds mission in Christ’s pattern: “As the Father has sent me, so I send you,” and says messengers must be “filled with the Spirit…blameless…walk in the power of his Spirit.”
• He insists on an internal reality: “If anyone is to go out…he must…feel the power working in him…let the Lord’s power rule over and lead him.”
• He rejects self-directed ministry: the Lord does not want those who “go their own way to please themselves…[choose] a fat living with sheep to be shorn.”
• Congregational confirmation appears earlier: once a calling is “discovered, the congregation publicly confirms their calling,” tied to Schleitheim’s “Whom the Lord has thus appointed.”
• The task includes guarding converts: “do our utmost to keep those who are gathered…so that they do not again become scattered…by wolves.”
• He links messenger credibility to likeness to Christ: “Whoever does not have the spirit of Christ is none of his.”