Podcast Summary: “How To Discover Your Calling”

Live Free with Josh Howerton (Lakepointe Church) – July 14, 2025

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode centers on how to discover your God-given calling and purpose, especially if you feel ordinary or unlikely to be used by God. The hosts discuss the biblical precedent for God choosing “misfits,” explore practical steps to discern your calling, and tackle hot-button topics like culturally relevant ministry methods and recent worship music controversies.

Episode Highlights & Key Insights

[00:00–07:00] – Opening Banter & “At the Movies” Ministry

• The hosts (Josh Howerton, Jana Howerton, Pamela Baltasar, and Carlos Arazo) open with playful banter about their church’s “At the Movies” sermon series, which uses popular films to illustrate biblical truths.
• Josh explains the heart behind "At the Movies": “We don’t preach movies; we use movies to illustrate biblical truths. …like modern-day parables” (07:16).
• Story of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and the idea that all great stories echo the gospel, called the “true myth” (12:19).

Notable Quote:

“If showing that the story underneath every story is the gospel worked for CS Lewis, I bet it's gonna work for a bunch of lost people now. We should do that in movies.” – Josh Howerton (15:24)

[07:00–23:30] – Addressing Objections to Creative Ministry Methods

• Common critiques of “At the Movies” discussed: that it’s “diluting” the gospel, too secular, or entertainment-focused.
• Pamela distinguishes between making the gospel “relatable” and “diluting” it:

  “You can make the gospel understandable, relatable, attractive, and even fun without diluting it. …You're just using an illustration… then you're gonna hit them with the real gospel.” (15:47)

• Josh draws parallels with Jesus’ use of parables, many of which were well-known cultural stories remixed to highlight spiritual truth (17:19).
• The fear that fun or creative methods make church unholy is refuted:

  “What's really holy to God is the salvation of sinners. …Did you know there's more rejoicing in heaven when one sinner repents than when 99 righteous persons remain really holy and righteous?” – Josh (22:03)

[23:30–36:03] – “God Uses Misfits”: Biblical Patterns & Encouragement

• Transition to the week’s sermon theme: God’s power is perfected in weakness; He chooses “misfits” and ordinary people (see Acts 4:13, where “idiotai” means “ordinary”).
• Josh reads 1 Corinthians 1:26–31 and explains that God chooses the lowly so “no one may boast before Him”:

  “When something amazing happens but somebody really ordinary was used to do it, people go, man, that must have been God, and He gets the glory.” (27:41)

• Multiple biblical examples: Jacob over Esau, Leah over Rachel, David (the overlooked son), Jesus’ humble roots.
• Weakness is framed as an advantage if dependence on God is the goal:

  “The whole point of that passage is that weakness is actually an advantage. If dependence is the goal, then any weakness you have actually drives you to God.” – Josh (28:37)

• Application: If you feel broken, dysfunctional, or weak, take heart—God wants to use you.

[36:03–51:49] – How to Discover Your Calling

• The fundamental premise: Every believer is designed to fulfill a specific purpose and will never find true fulfillment until they do. Ephesians 2:10 referenced.
• Practical Framework (from Tim Keller): Find your place at the intersection of Affinity (what you’re passionate about), Ability (what you’re gifted at), and Opportunity (needs around you).
  • Affinity: “What provokes you, or gives you a righteous anger? Sometimes what you can’t stand is a clue to your calling.” – Josh (40:16)
  • Ability: Distinguish what you love versus what you’re truly gifted at. Involve honest feedback from others.
  • Opportunity: Ask, “Where is there a wide door of effective service in my church or community?” (referencing 1 Corinthians and Paul’s ministry strategy).
• Experimentation is encouraged: try different areas of service to see what fits (Jana: “Try a bunch of different places of service…you might find something you really love.” – 44:13).
• Be willing to meet needs, not just chase what’s glamorous:

  “Don’t just wait on working on your gifts or abilities. Be willing to fulfill needs right in front of you…you may be surprised.” – Pamela (44:36)

• Big Idea: “Dream big, but start small. Be faithful with a little so God can entrust you with much.” – Josh (51:06)
• Warning against seeking only public or prominent roles, influenced by “the American dream” mindset.

  “Your Father, who sees what is done in secret will reward you. …That kids ministry leader may end up changing eternity.” – Josh (52:03)

[51:49–56:21] – Calling vs. Assignment & The Role of Serving

• Distinguish between lifelong calling and seasonal assignments.
• Serving is about meeting the needs of others and builds character (“be faithful where you are, and God might move you to something else in another season” – Carlos, 47:07).
• Acknowledge the unseen cost and formation required for leadership—most want the platform but not the process.
• The greatest impact often comes from small, unseen acts of service (e.g. genuine hospitality, group leaders visiting people in hospitals, etc.—Pamela, 54:47).

[56:21–68:47] – Worship Culture, Communication, and Christian “Cancel Culture”

• Discussion on a viral video featuring worship leader Brandon Lake suggesting churches should use less “Christianese” so newcomers can access the message.
  • Josh pushes back on the negative internet reaction:

    “He literally said, ‘I want to get them there.’ We obviously don’t want to remove biblical language…but a shepherd leads the sheep from where they are to where they need to be.” (60:02, 66:29)

  • Jana and Pamela note the importance of distinguishing between worship for God and songs meant for outreach—both are valid but serve different purposes.
• Broader critique of Christian “cancel culture” that weaponizes out-of-context soundbites:

  “Who is it in the Bible that interprets God’s people in the worst possible light and accuses them? That’s the enemy. …Let’s have a little more Jesus, a little less Satan.” – Josh (61:36, 67:18)

  • Caution to interpret others charitably (1 Corinthians 13: “Love believes all things”) and build up the Body of Christ, not tear it down.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

1. On “At the Movies” Methodology:
   “Jesus’ primary way of teaching was parables…He was taking popular stories and then using them to illustrate biblical truths.” – Josh Howerton (17:19)

2. On Weakness and Calling:
   “If dependence is the goal, then any weaknesses you have are an advantage because they drive you to God.” – Josh (28:37)
   “If God can use them, he can use you.” – Carlos (29:22)

3. On Finding Your Place:
   “What is at the intersection of affinity, ability, and opportunity? There’s your calling.” – Josh (41:20)

4. On Serving in Humility:
   “Dream big, but start small. …Be faithful with a little so that He can entrust you with much.” – Josh (51:06)

5. On Christian Cancel Culture:
   “Let’s not be people who participate in the spirit of the accuser…Let’s be people of overt love who build up the Body of Christ.” – Josh (67:18)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00–07:16 – “At the Movies” intro & rationale
• 12:19–15:24 – C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, and the gospel in stories
• 17:19–22:03 – Responding to church creative/evangelism objections
• 23:35–33:38 – God chooses ordinary “misfits”
• 36:28–44:36 – Practical steps to discovering your calling
• 51:06–52:03 – Be faithful in small things; significance is not about spotlight
• 56:23–67:18 – Brandon Lake worship clip & discussion of “Christianese,” communication, and cancel culture

Further Resources & Calls to Action

• Explore or join a group: Text “GROUP” to 20411
• Find a place to serve: Text “SERVE” to 20411
• Show notes & resources: Available at Lakepointe Church’s website

Takeaway

This episode offers both a theological and practical guide for listeners wrestling with their sense of calling. Listeners are encouraged:

• God can and will use anyone, regardless of their perceived strengths or weaknesses.
• Discover your purpose through prayer, service, and reflection on where your passions, abilities, and the needs around you intersect.
• Elevate others, serve in humility, and strive for a heart of overt love, choosing charity over criticism in disagreements within the Church.

By living this way, each believer can “live free” in Christ and make a difference that echoes in eternity.