I have to give credit for this thought to my good friend Steve Sjogren. Through several conversations with Steve, we both agree that many Christians, leaders or not, suffer from Toxic-Callogy. Weird label I know, but what is really weird is that spell check doesn't kick it out. There are people who have not heard from God, but they go ahead and  "do" anyway. Having A "Call" is scary, but to act on a non-call from God is down right dangerous. I guess that type of action could be classified as stupid and prideful. We have leaders in churches who are ineffective because they do not have God's call on their but, they should be working a mainstream job. There are guys out there on the speaking circuit who are teaching pastors and leaders how to grow a church and all they have is theory, not a call. I best stop here or I am liable to offend someone.

    Vision doesn't work unless you hear from God… that's the way it works! ALWAYS! We have got to get over the sinful desire to impress our family and friends by being successful or famous. God warns us that if He is not in the plans or vision in this case, it is futile and you will be assimilated into the pile of failures who wondered what went wrong and what happened. People are planting churches, trying to build ministries, working long hard hours and I believe they are sincere, but they have sincerely not been called to do what they desire to do. Sounds harsh, but where God has a vision, it will flourish and prosper regardless of the person in place.

    Let me encourage you that if you do not have a clear, absolute call from God, to graciously step aside from what you are trying to do on your own. Read and re-read this chapter and other books on God's call to discern what it is God wants you to do. It is not a sin to walk away from something that you want to do, but have not been called to do. It is a sin to continue to stay in a place when you are not called.