What It Means to Be Set Apart for a Spiritual Calling

A spiritual setting apart is a sacred, formal blessing to empower individuals for specific service within their faith.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jun 12, 2026

Branched from How Callings and Sustaining Work in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Quick take

Being 'set apart' is a formal, spiritual blessing to prepare and empower someone for a specific role or calling within their faith.
It typically involves the laying on of hands by authorized leaders, who pronounce a blessing and counsel the individual.
The purpose is to confer spiritual authority, guidance, and strength to fulfill the duties of the calling.
It signifies divine recognition and support for the individual's service, fostering a sense of accountability and connection to a higher purpose.

To be "set apart" for a spiritual calling means to receive a special blessing, often through the laying on of hands by authorized religious leaders, dedicating an individual to a specific service or responsibility within their faith community. This act is not merely a formality; it's seen as a divine recognition and empowerment, imparting spiritual gifts, guidance, and strength necessary to fulfill the duties of that calling.

The Authority and Act

In many faith traditions, particularly within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where this practice is common, a setting apart is performed by those holding specific priesthood authority. This act typically involves one or more authorized individuals placing their hands on the head of the person being set apart. During this sacred moment, a blessing is pronounced, which may include words of counsel, promises of divine assistance, and a dedication of the individual to their new responsibilities. The blessing is often tailored to the specific needs of the calling and the individual.

Empowerment for Service

The core purpose of being set apart is to empower the individual spiritually. It is believed to confer the necessary spiritual gifts, insights, and strength to serve effectively in their calling, even when they feel inadequate. This isn't about granting personal power, but rather channeling divine power through the individual for the benefit of others and the work of their faith. It acknowledges that the calling comes from God and that He will provide the means to accomplish it.

A Covenant of Service

Being set apart also carries a sense of covenant and accountability. It's an agreement between the individual and God, where the individual commits to serve faithfully, and God promises His support. This understanding deepens the individual's commitment and helps them see their service not just as a task, but as a sacred trust. It's a reminder that their efforts are part of a larger divine plan and that they are not alone in their service.

Key Elements of a Setting Apart

Performed by authorized religious leaders.
Involves the laying on of hands.
Includes a blessing of dedication, counsel, and promise.
Confers spiritual power and gifts for the specific calling.
Establishes a covenant of service and divine support.

Being set apart matters deeply because it transforms a request for service into a sacred charge. It provides individuals with the spiritual confidence and divine assistance to step into roles that might otherwise feel overwhelming. This practice applies whenever an individual accepts a significant spiritual responsibility within their faith, from teaching classes to leading congregations, ensuring they feel equipped and supported by a power greater than their own.

Is being set apart the same as an ordination?

No, while both involve the laying on of hands, an ordination typically confers priesthood authority or a specific office, while a setting apart dedicates an individual to a particular calling or responsibility within that authority. An ordained person can be set apart for many different callings throughout their life.

Does being set apart guarantee I won't struggle in my calling?

No, it doesn't eliminate challenges or personal struggles. Instead, it provides a spiritual foundation and access to divine help, guidance, and strength to navigate those challenges and grow through the experience.

What if I feel inadequate for my calling after being set apart?

Feeling inadequate is common. The blessing of being set apart is precisely for this reason: to remind you that the power comes from God, not solely from your own abilities. Rely on prayer, study, and the counsel received during your setting apart, trusting that divine help will be given.

Is being set apart permanent?

The blessing itself is a lasting endowment of spiritual capacity. However, a specific setting apart is for a particular calling. When an individual is released from that calling, they are no longer set apart for that specific role, though the spiritual growth and experience gained remain.

Who can perform a setting apart?

Typically, a setting apart is performed by an authorized leader who holds the appropriate priesthood authority or ecclesiastical power to extend such a blessing within their faith tradition, often someone who oversees the calling being given.

Sources

General practices and doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints