Called of God, We Honor the Call - Hymn With Lyrics

1. Called of God, we honor the call;

Lord, we'll go wherever You say.
Where You lead, come pain or pleasure,
We would follow You every day.
Who shall turn us back from You, Lord?
Death itself, from going You way?
Who shall turn us back from You, Lord?
Death itself, from going You way?

2. Achor's Vale, or desolate waste,
There weed bear the Gospel You gave,
Carry love through streets like
Sodom's Anywhere, to seek and to save!
Or agree a slave to be, Lord,
In the joy of being Your slave
Or agree a slave to be, Lord,
In the joy of being Your slave!

3. Honor, glory, power and praise,
Lord, to You, You only are due!
Shame and scorn and cross You carried;
Grant us grace to carry them too,
Without name or fame, but, oh, Lord,
Joy and thanks, to serve before You
Without name or fame, but, oh, Lord,
Joy and thanks, to serve before You!
Amen.

Scripture; Isaiah 6:8; 2 Timothy 1:9; Ephesians 4:1; Romans 12:1

The hymn “Called of God, We Honor the Call” was written by James Gertmenian, a respected American pastor and hymnwriter known for his thoughtful, justice-oriented theology and poetic lyricism. This hymn was composed in the late 20th century, and it is most commonly associated with ordination services, installation of pastors, and other moments of vocational commitment within the church. It appears in hymnals such as the Chalice Hymnal (used in the Christian Church [Disciples of Christ]) and other denominational collections focused on ministry and mission.

The Story and Meaning Behind the Hymn

The hymn was written as a response to the sacred and weighty moment when individuals commit their lives to ministry. Rather than glorifying leadership or presenting a triumphal tone, Gertmenian’s text emphasizes humility, service, and community. The opening line, “Called of God, we honor the call”, sets the tone: the calling is divine, but the honor lies in faithfully living into that calling with integrity and love.

Throughout the hymn, Gertmenian reflects theologically on what it means to serve in Christ’s name—not by seeking status, but by walking alongside others, bearing burdens, and embodying grace. The hymn also acknowledges the church as a community of mutual support, where ministry is not a solo endeavor but shared within the body of Christ.

It draws inspiration from passages like Isaiah 6:8, 2 Timothy 1:9, and John 15:16, which speak of God’s calling and the response of those who are sent to serve. Gertmenian’s background as a pastor and preacher shaped the hymn’s tone; it is pastoral, sober, and deeply rooted in Christian vocation.

Use in Worship

“Called of God, We Honor the Call” is often used:

• At ordination or commissioning services

• During the installation of pastors or elders

• On Ministry Sundays or leadership retreats

Its language is formal yet deeply personal, reminding both the one being called and the congregation that ministry is a sacred trust, rooted in God’s grace and sustained by the Spirit.