Definition
The Reformation doctrine of vocation teaches that all Christians are called by God to live faithfully in three arenas, the household, the Church, and the state, in which all Christians are to live out their priesthood as believers by offering up their lives as living sacrifices to God.
Summary
The Reformers formulated the doctrine of vocation in response to the Roman Catholic insistence that “vocation” or “calling” was reserved for those entering the service of the church through the priesthood or a monastic order. Those doing so would renounce marriage, secular work, and economic advancement through taking vows of celibacy, obedience, and poverty. In response, the Reformers argued that all Christians are called by God to live faithfully in the three arenas of life: the household, the church, and the state. As a corollary of the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers, all Christians are called by God to offer up their lives as living sacrifices in all areas of life. This means that all of life, including the most mundane tasks, are worship to God, not only select actions and vocations reserved for those who have renounced involvement in normal institutions of worldly life.
Courses
Faith and Work
Explore over a dozen courses on the theology of faith and work, vocation, mission in the workplace, business ethics, career planning, and the public life.
Videos
How Should Christians Think About the Rise of Telecommuting?
Eden Chen and Justin Buzzard discuss the impact of remote work on Christians and their workplaces and ways to maintain relational culture within a company.
When Faith Meets Work
Watch Katherine Alsdorf, Carolyn McCulley, and Bethany Jenkins discuss the importance of integrating our faith and our work.
What Biblical Principles Should Guide Entrepreneurs?
In this video, Eden Chen, founder of Fisherman Labs, offers three biblical principles that should give Christian entrepreneurs a competitive edge.
Discipling Women in the Workplace
Elyse Fitzpatrick, Katherine Leary Alsdorf, and Lydia Brownback discuss how churches can do a better job of discipling women in and for the workplace.
When You’re Too Busy to Be Godly
Busyness can lead to spiritual damage. Not only do we cease caring for our soul, we forget we even have one.
Monday Morning Motivation
Matt Perman on how jobs afford us opportunities to love our neighbors, and to multitask during repetitive work while learning about God through his Word.
Podcasts
Articles
9 Ways to Work Efficiently from Home
As COVID-19 forces employees home, here are practical ways to optimize work productivity.
How to Share Christ in a Workplace Where You’re Not Supposed to Discuss Him
Service isn’t always doing more; it’s embodying the posture of Jesus.
5 Habits to Practice the Presence of God at Work
My top five habits for practicing the presence of God in busy and tech-driven offices.
How to Lay Off Someone Like Jesus Would
I know the tension in the air as the person takes their seat across from you. Letting someone go is no trivial matter.
How Can I Know If I’m Working Too Much?
We must not forsake our most important assignments to succeed in a lesser one.
How to Fight Envy in the Workplace
Rather than envying the gifts and skills of your colleagues, see your work as an opportunity to carry out the greatest commandments.
Book Reviews
Help! I’m Brain-Fried and Burnt-Out
If you feel pulled in a thousand different directions, this book is for you.
A Timely New Book on Faith and Work—20 Years in the Making
Twenty years of research and reflection on faith and work set this book apart from recent works.
How America (and the Church) Can Support Blue-Collar Workers
A prosperity that doesn’t include the ability to work is no prosperity at all.
Your Work Is a Cursed Blessing
Work may not be as certain as death and taxes, but it has been around longer.
Thinking Biblically About Business Ethics
This top-notch business ethics text doesn’t lose its Christian character.
Every Good Endeavor
Our daily work is ultimately an act of worship to the God who called and equipped us to do it.
