Spiritual Calling: A Qualitative Study in The Context of Christian Ministry

Abstract

Spirituality is increasingly recognised as a vital dimension of mental health, offering individuals a sense of purpose, resilience, and emotional grounding. However, little research has examined how spiritual calling contributes to mental health in contexts where Christians represent a minority faith, such as Indonesia. This qualitative study explores how spirituality, expressed through a sense of divine calling, shapes the well-being of church ministers. Data were collected through a qualitative phenomenological approach using Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with three active ministers from IES PIK Church Jakarta: a Sunday school teacher, a worship leader, and a pastor, supplemented by participant observation in a multinational congregation in Jakarta. The data was analysed using thematic analysis to identify patterns and central themes within the participants’ responses. Findings indicate that ministers interpret their vocational journeys as evidence of a spiritual calling, viewing pivotal life experiences as divine guidance that anchors both their identity and service. This sense of calling provides meaning, strengthens resilience, and enables coping with the emotional burdens of ministry. Spiritual practices such as prayer, worship, and teaching cultivate patience, forgiveness, and hope, reinforcing well-being amidst stress and fatigue. At the same time, the minority position of Christianity in Indonesia underscores how calling functions not only as a personal resource but also as a communal anchor, fostering belonging and collective strength. In conclusion, this study highlights calling as both a protective factor and a developmental process that sustains flourishing by situating spiritual calling within the intersection of mental health and minority religious identity.