Isn't it amazing how easily we pass off what God has called us to do to those we think are more gifted? I've not had the training. I don't have the personal charisma. I'm too old? I'm too young. What becomes obvious in God's word is that he's chosen to use ordinary individuals to accomplish extraordinary tasks. Jesus didn't go to the synagogue, the jewish schools, or the places of religious learning to find those that would eventually change the world and deliver a message that would bring peace to troubled souls, give hope to those who have given up, or to offer forgiveness to those plagued and weighed down by the realization of our sin. They were simple men, fishermen, tax collectors, and a political zealot. They were emotional even ambitious. What becomes evident is their desire to share not just their story but His Story. The idea was not to gather men and women for the purpose of being 'better, cleaner, nor holier' but to inspire them in such a way that after recognizing God's great gift in them they'd find it impossible to stay quiet about the work of God in their life. To have an encounter with Jesus and not to be changed is no more possible than sticking your fingers in an electrical outlet, being shocked to the point a good hair curling, and saying you didn't feel a thing! Of course you did and of course an encounter with Jesus produces a change! And, dare I say it, 'long live the change'!