Sometimes I think I'm the only one out there - the only one that believes the LORD made each of us for a specific purpose in life, and that He therefore calls each of us to that task. If I mention to someone that I'm a seminary student about to graduate and head off into vocational ministry and one of two things usually happens...
A) They look at me strange. This is my cue to explain what I mean by "vocational ministry". Most folk in my circles are used to hearing someone in my shoes say they're about to head out into "the pastorate" or "full-time ministry". They don't often hear the term "vocational ministry". But I use it on purpose. I truly believe that my calling to serve as a teaching elder/pastor is no higher, no better, no more special than some other believer's calling to manage the local McDonalds.
B) They ask me to describe my calling. When did it happen? Where were you? How did the LORD call you? All fine questions, and I'm more than happy to give my testimony to His call in my life. Yet I maintain that all of us should think in terms of calling in our lives. But try asking the insurance salesman how the LORD called him to that profession!
Thankfully, there has been progress made in reaffirming this doctrine. Thank God for this aspect of the emergent movement. I've also noticed that Philip Yancey has picked up on this lost doctrine. He rightly points out that Martin Luther considered this a major point of his theology.
So how did the LORD call you into your present vocation?
Hatushili
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
The lost doctrine of vocation
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1 comment:
The understanding that you speak of has been critical to me over the past several years. There was a time when I felt that the only way I could serve God was in 'full time ministry' and that if I didn't do so then whatever I did was a waste. Fortunately God gave me a peace about being called to other things. I realized that whether I was selling computers, remodeling kitchens, or walking the floors of a Home Depot, I could do it in service to the Lord. It sounds so simple when you say it, but I think this really pulls at the heart and soul of most young Christians. I feel blessed that I can be free to serve him by doing what he made me for instead of some ideal service that others have raised up.
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