In a recent reaction video, podcast host Kap Chatfield dives into a powerful message from Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell that challenges popular ideas about discovering one’s calling. The viral clip has struck a chord—especially among Christians seeking clarity on their God-given purpose.
Chatfield opens the video by asking the question many believers wrestle with: “How on earth do you find your calling?” But he quickly notes, “Your calling might not actually be the thing that you want to do. What happens then?”
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Pastor Mitchell, who has been preaching for over a decade, shares that ministry was never his personal ambition. “I pastor out of obedience. I preach out of obedience. I don’t do it out of my natural desire,” he says. “Ministry is a cross that I bear. It is not glory for me.”
Despite his dynamic preaching and growing influence, Mitchell recalls resisting the pastoral call. “I wanted to be like Billy Graham,” he says. “I wanted to be an evangelist… I didn’t want to be in a local church.” He remembers the exact moment God called him to pastor on Apr. 14, 2004, and his four-year struggle to surrender.
Chatfield connects this to a broader issue: many people are trying to manufacture their purpose. “A calling requires a Caller,” he warns. “If you’re trying to build your own life and slap His name on it like a bumper sticker, that’s not blessable.”
Pastor Mitchell’s testimony reminds us that true purpose comes not from following our passion, but from obeying God’s voice—especially when it’s hard.
No matter how hard something is, ultimately, God wants us to be able to surrender everything to Him. In order to truly find a fulfilling life, God is asking that we trust Him with the greater, more perfect plans He has for us.
Be on the lookout for Kap Chatfield’s new book coming next year, Prosperity is Not a Curse Word.
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Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
