Assignment Title: What is calling?
Course: CHMN 699 - Internship
Student: Kristine Sage
2022
Professor: Dr. Mary Smith
Liberty University
Vocation is derived from the Latin word vox, which means “voice” or “vocal.” We think of
vocation, then, as living one’s entire life in response to God’s voice or call. It’s more about who
we are (identity) and whose we are (belonging) than about what we do. If we want to be wise
in our career choices, then, we must understand what it means to be called by God.
Reflection Questions
1. How is calling bigger than career? Why does this matter?
2. How does vocation reflect the Trinity, the creation, the incarnation, and the death and
resurrection of Christ?
Everyone has a Sacred Calling
Many Christians experience a disconnect between our spiritual lives of worship and our
ordinary lives of work. When we open ourselves to the worship of God in us, we experience joy
and peace. But when we go to work, we often do not feel that it measures up against our
spiritual worship. It feels like second best in comparison to what we were really made for. Yet,
in this video, Andy Crouch explains the intersection between our calling as Christians and our
responsibility as human image-bearers.
What Kind of Calling do all Christians Share?
1. How do humans worship God?
2. What is the sacred calling of all humans?
3. How have we forsaken that calling?
4. How is God at work restoring that calling?
The Christian's Guide to Career Planning
When we are making decisions about what major to choose or what career to pursue, how do
we know which is God’s will? Is one choice better than another? How can I make a decision?
Reflection Questions
In the video above, Sebastian Traeger offers six questions to help guide our career decisions:
1. Does this job glorify God?
2. Does this job permit me to live a godly life?
3. Does this job provide for my needs and allow me to be a blessing to others?
4. Does this job benefit society in some way?
5. Does this job take advantage of my gifts and talents?
6. Is this something I want to do?
Which of these, though, are must-haves? Do they all matter? What should our priorities be?
How can we know if a job permits us to live a godly life?
Called to Advance Holistic Flourishing
We are not only called to bear God’s image, we are also called to restore it where we see it
broken or marred. We must actively seek out the places where his image has been lost, even
when that means putting ourselves at risk. In every place we live and work, then, we must
speak up for those who have no voices.
In this video, Chris Brooks shares his story of being a pastor in Detroit, as the city has struggled
significantly. In Detroit, he says, “You can’t preach a gospel that doesn’t bring about holistic
transformation,” which includes economic flourishing. “When you preach a gospel that doesn’t
ultimate change someone’s life, then you’re vulnerable when another game shows up.”
To explore how economic flourishing matters to the effective preaching of the gospel, and how
our callings can be a means to advance the gospel in a way that endures, watch this video.
Reflection Questions
1. Why does economic flourishing matter to the preaching of the gospel?
2. In minority urban settings, what are the competing ‘gospels’ to the gospel of Jesus
Christ?
3. What are the three Es that create wealth? How can the church contribute to creating
those?
In-depth, sustained support for clergy seeking to make a successful job move
For some clergy, moving on in ministry can be a complex transition as they try to reconcile
a sense of being called to a new role with managing the realities of their working lives. If you
are feeling ‘stuck’ or undecided about how, when or why you might move on in your ministry
then Career Counselling may offer a way forward.
Career Counselling is a process that can offer one-to-one, sustained support over a period
of time. Many career related issues are closely linked to the past, present and future, to
working conditions, family life and wider relationships. Consequently, the focus in my practice
is on the personal and professional circumstances of each individual. Typically, each meeting
will give you the space and time to reflect in-depth upon your work related needs and
aspirations. In a safe, independent setting you can talk, be heard and through the sensitive use
of home assignments begin to explore those barriers and opportunities to making confident
career-related decisions and manage career-related tasks.
Due to its association with status, achievement and reward, the term ‘career’ can feel at
odds with a sense of calling and vocation and those qualities associated with ordained ministry
such as service and humility. In my work, calling is acknowledged as an important dimension of
how clergy might anticipate and prepare for different types of career related transition.
David was frustrated with the lack of opportunities in the Church for someone with his
particular Churchmanship. He had made a few applications and had one interview but he felt
that no-one in the recruitment process fully appreciated the importance of listening for how
God might be guiding him to a new role. With the support of a Career Counsellor, David was
able to think about making applications for posts which he had researched in-depth and where
he felt he would be able to explore and test out God’s call as part of the recruitment process.
Hannah was considering moving on to a new post after only two years because her
relationship with the PCC was becoming strained. In talking things through with a Career
Counsellor, Hannah realised that she had a strong desire for autonomy in her ministry and how
this was being enacted in the workplace. With support, Hannah recognised that her skills and
talents were actually well suited to her current post and that as part of her professional
development she would enquire about some leadership training.
