Note: This article originally appeared in the Spring 2024 issue of CRUX (Vol. 60, No. 1).

For the past five years, Regent Exchange: Churches for the Common Good, a church engagement and educational research initiative funded by the Lilly Endowment Inc., has had the privilege of accompanying a group of local churches in their exploration of calling. Not only have churches re-imagined their biblical call to be a reconciling community, but they’ve also considered how to live that out practically in light of who God has created them to be as a congregation, the contexts in which God has placed them—their social, cultural, and geographical milieu—as well as the times in which they live, with the particular opportunities and challenges of each season (including the pandemic). 

The following article explores how this “learning exchange” has provided opportunity to learn about the church, about change, and about calling in context. First, we explore calling as a concept and its significance for Christian disciples. We then consider challenges with contemporary perspectives on calling and offer an expanded vision of vocation that is of particular relevance to the church in its mission to the world. We conclude with implications for both local congregations and theological education. 

Calling as a Concept

Calling (or vocation)¹ is one of those ideas that is both simple and complex. The Latin “vocare” (“to call”) reflects the articulatory nature of vocation. As Christians, we are called by God—our primary relationship that affirms to whom we belong. We are called to embrace our true identity as members of God’s family and citizens of heaven, as expounded in Ephesians. Charles Ringma affirms, “To live with the sense that my life is not simply my own, that I am not simply self-made and self-determined, gives my life a depth of relationality, community, and accountability.”² Being called by God is especially significant in a culture that wants to rename us, to “squeeze [us] into its own mold”³ as we read in Romans 12, overwhelming us with media and message to reinforce our identity as consumers and masters of our own destiny.

Living in response to this call, embracing our full identity as disciples of Christ who belong to God and to one another, is both a given and an ongoing learning task. It’s an invitation to continually discern our life’s journey in light of who we are, what we know, what we value and believe, where we’ve been, where we are currently, and where we’re going. Romans 12:1 reminds us that Christians are called to offer our “whole beings, heart, mind, and strength” to steward our life’s resources as ambassadors in God’s mission of reconciliation (see also 2 Cor. 5:20). 

In other words, discerning my calling is less about knowing with certainty exactly what I should be doing in any one particular occupation—a common misconception that will be more fully unpacked in the next section—but more about walking daily with God, noticing where God is at work and where and how I am being invited to participate in that work. For it’s as we journey (a favourite motif in Regent Exchange) that we gain perspective, whether we summit a mountain—something we never thought we could conquer—encounter unexpected tragedy, or find our path redirected by circumstances beyond our control. For sometimes God’s purpose for us, his call to us, is less on what we do but more on how we carry it out.⁴ In every season, as we walk step by step, day by day, we have opportunity to learn, grow, change, and be more fully transformed into Christlikeness, living lives that bear witness to the work of God in the world. 

Sometimes God's purpose for us, his call to us, is less on what we do and more on how we carry it out. Moreover, the church is integral to a more comprehensive understanding of vocation. Much of the apostle Paul’s exhortation on calling is directed toward the church as a community of believers.⁵ Community is at the heart of what it means to be called by God. Romans 12:5 reminds us that as “sacred family members” (FNV) and “brothers and sisters” (12:1 NIV), “we are members of his body, and each member belongs to all the others” (FNV). And thus, we affirm that an essential dimension of Christian calling is its implications for the church’s vocation. 

Our central proposal is a transformative re-imagination of vocation from a narrow individualistic pursuit to a holistic and integrative understanding within the church community. By fostering a corporate understanding of vocation, we contend that the church can become a place where individuals discern and respond to God’s calling collectively. We conclude by discussing potential implications for local churches and theological education. But before introducing this broader vision, it’s helpful to begin with a brief critique of prevalent views on calling in our contemporary context.

Common Challenges in Contemporary Views of Vocation

The story of vocation within the Christian church is a rich one. Over the centuries, the word “vocation” has been used to describe different aspects of the Christian life, ranging from simply following the steps of Jesus on earth to a particular job or career. The Reformation had a significant role in the historical development of those interpretations. Reformation theologians, reacting to the idea that only those working for the institutional church had a vocation, argued that any occupation can be the expression of the Christian calling.⁶ This particular understanding that directly associates work with God’s calling has been widely adopted and expanded by Protestants, giving birth to a considerable body of literature and many movements around the world.⁷

In parallel, beyond the walls of the church, the empirical research on work as a calling has grown exponentially over the last two decades. Professor of psychology Brian J. Dik points out that “[within] the research literature, calling may be best understood as a broad construct with two correlated yet distinct emphases, one internally-focused and one externally-focused.”⁸ Scholars have showcased the correlation between using the language of “calling” and experiencing favourable results in both workplace satisfaction and psychological welfare. Their research among employed individuals revealed a consistent and positive link between a sense of calling and increased job satisfaction, as well as a deeper commitment to both one’s organization and chosen occupation.⁹ Yet, Christians present valid criticisms. According to Dik, the contemporary interpretations are notably self-centred, excessively prioritize individualism, and often function under the assumption that individuals have unrestricted choices within their career paths.¹⁰

Expanding on this line of criticism to the use of work as calling within Christian communities, New Testament professor William Klein and leadership coach Daniel Steiner argue that the pervasive use of calling language in Christian discourse has created a culture where individuals with narcissistic, predatory, and abusive tendencies can exploit the system and assume leadership roles in churches by claiming a divine calling.¹¹ The misuse of “calling” language by those in positions of power can be detrimental, shaping both organizational and personal relationships. The dominance of “calling” language also sets expectations for specific ways in which people anticipate God to work in their lives. When these expectations are not met, individuals may become confused, discouraged, and frustrated. In certain instances, Klein and Steiner argue, the concept of calling holds significant weight, comparable to the name of Jesus Christ, and has the power to profoundly influence life trajectories. This influence is evident in people making major life decisions, such as changing careers, relocating, or initiating significant life changes, based on their perceived calling. Words, particularly those associated with calling, play a pivotal role in shaping cultural landscapes and, consequently, people’s lives.

Klein and Steiner also point out that the contemporary understandings of vocation in the church often suffer from an individualistic focus, where the pursuit of one’s calling becomes primarily a personal quest for self-fulfillment. This individual-centric perspective narrows the vision of vocation to a mere occupational choice, diminishing its transformative potential within the broader context of church communities. Within such a framework, individuals are encouraged to embark on a relentless search for the perfect job or career path that aligns with their interests and passions. The emphasis is on finding one’s “dream job” or achieving personal success, with little consideration for how this pursuit fits within the greater narrative of the Christian faith. This narrow view can lead to disillusionment and a sense of spiritual emptiness when careers do not live up to inflated expectations. Congregants are often left grappling with the fundamental question of how their individual vocation relates to the broader mission and purpose of the church.¹²

Another challenge prevalent in contemporary views of vocation revolves around the issues of agency and choice. In Calling in Context, professor of Christian leadership Susan Maros sheds light on the anxieties and challenges individuals face in discerning their calling.¹³ Many individuals are led to believe that they have complete control over their vocational destinies, fostering an illusion of autonomy and self-determination. This perspective often leads to anxiety and frustration when the reality of life’s uncertainties and limitations sets in. There is a fear of missing God’s will, making wrong choices, and living a purposeless life. Maros suggests that the focus should be less on determining “right” or “wrong” assumptions and more on considering which assumptions are helpful for engaging faithfully with God’s work.

Vocation and the Missio Dei: Expanding the Context of Our Calling 

We believe a more nuanced understanding of agency is needed. To counter the challenges brought about by secularism, individualism, and an excessive emphasis on personal agency, it is crucial to acknowledge that our individual choices are not made in isolation but are greatly influenced by social, economic, and cultural factors. Similarly, placing exclusive emphasis on personal agency can obscure the significance of discerning God’s calling and submitting to his will.

Our proposal, then, is to broaden the concept of vocation within the framework of the missio Dei—the mission of God. Colossians 1:17 provides a profound theological grounding for this expanded perspective: “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (NIV). This verse encapsulates the notion that God’s mission encompasses the entirety of creation and history, extending beyond individual spiritual pursuits to encompass the renewal and redemption of all aspects of existence.

By integrating the missio Dei into our comprehension of vocation, it becomes evident that God’s calling is not restricted to a select few or solely focused on personal career decisions. Instead, vocation ought to be viewed as an intrinsic component of participating in God’s overarching narrative of restoration and reconciliation. This broader outlook encourages individuals to perceive vocation as a means to participate in God’s kingdom across all facets of life, including family, work, education, and community engagement.

Vocation is a means to participate in God's kingdom across all facets of life.Philip Kenneson reminds us that God’s calling, our “vocation to the world,” is to “embody visibly before the world the reconciliation that God desires for all of creation.”¹⁴ We are “to bear the fruit of the Spirit as a testimony to God’s continued presence and work in the world.”¹⁵ And local congregations have opportunity to respond to God’s call in embodied practical ways that reflect the particularities in their respective contexts. 

The next sections will delve into this transformative re-imagination, first outlining key facets of a more corporate vision of vocation with insights gleaned from the work of Regent Exchange, then offering practical recommendations for congregations seeking to embrace vocation as a collective endeavour within the church community, and finally, suggesting implications for theological education. 

Calling and the Church 

A robust vision of vocation necessarily engages local congregations as learning communities impacting not only personal, but also congregational and societal transformation as Christ’s ambassadors (see 2 Cor. 5:20). In this context, learning refers to a whole-life process of growth, change, and discipleship. J. I. Packer affirms that “as trainers impress upon athletes that they must never stop training, so Jesus and his apostles make it clear that the church must never stop learning, for only so will it move generation by generation into true maturity in Christ.”¹⁶ Far from a strictly intellectual focus of acquiring Bible facts, a learning community is a vibrant assembly of Christ-followers committed to a life of worship, work, and witness.¹⁷

A vision for the church as a learning community “could transform our imagination for Christian discipleship from a highly individualistic pursuit to a shared one rooted in our particular congregations,”¹⁸ as Christopher Smith asserts. Such a vision would reinforce our collective calling to engage “in the participatory life of a community” rather than viewing church as “simply an experience to be passively consumed.”¹⁹ We need one another to journey together, for left on our own, we are prone to wander, to follow detours and distractions. Our fellow travelers can encourage us to press on with confidence.²⁰

The focus on community reflects the truth that Christians belong to one another, as members of Christ’s body. The book of Ephesians reminds us not only of the corporate nature of our faith as one Christian community, but also of the beauty of its diversity. Following Ephesians 2:11–22, Walls eloquently asserts, “The very height of Christ’s full stature is reached only by the coming together of the different cultural entities into the body of Christ. Only ‘together,’ not on our own, can we reach his full stature.”²¹ 

The African concept of ubuntu is a profound theological affirmation of relationship in community—I am because we are. Ubuntu, a concept rooted in African philosophy, particularly among the Bantu-speaking peoples, holds theological significance that transcends conventional Western frameworks. Derived from the Nguni Bantu term “ubuntu,” meaning “humanity,” it emphasizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of individuals within a community. Theologians such as Desmond Tutu have engaged with ubuntu, interpreting it as a profound expression of communal harmony and divine interconnectedness. Tutu, a prominent South African Anglican bishop, drew upon ubuntu to shape his theological outlook, highlighting its alignment with Christian values of love, compassion, and justice.²² Ubuntu, when viewed through a theological lens, underscores the belief in a shared human essence, echoing the biblical notion that humanity is intricately linked through a divine connection—belonging to one another. The concept challenges individualism and fosters a theological perspective emphasizing collective well-being and communal responsibility, providing a unique lens through which to explore spirituality and ethics. For indeed, belonging implies a responsibility to and for one’s neighbour. 

Educator and social activist Parker Palmer suggests that community is a gift to be received, rather than an entity we manufacture.²³ He believes that our concept of community “must be capacious enough to embrace everything from my relation to strangers I will never meet (e.g., the poor around the world to whom I am accountable), to people with whom I share local resources and must learn to get along (e.g., immediate neighbours), to people I am related to for the purpose of getting a job done (e.g., coworkers and colleagues).”²⁴ The late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King referred to the church as a “beloved community” that can help to build a society based on justice, equal opportunity, and sacrificial love of neighbour. For indeed, the shape of our life together can bear witness to the good news of God. The church can be a place where individuals are affirmed in their calling, individually and collectively, as they are grounded in a community of belonging, for the sake of God’s world.

As well, diversity in the learning community can be a rich resource for learning—as we listen to sisters and brothers who may not always express themselves as we do. And while diverse perspectives may be disorienting, in the end, learning in the midst of difference, even when we don’t agree on the surface, is often the first step of deep transformation. Recognizing the importance of context ensures that the concept of vocation is not a one-size-fits-all framework, but rather a dynamic and inclusive perspective that takes into account cultural, social, and personal nuances. Embracing diversity within the Christian understanding of vocation acknowledges the myriad ways people may experience God’s invitation in various cultural and societal contexts. This approach allows for a more comprehensive exploration of the ways in which individuals can live out their faith and contribute to the common good within their unique settings. It also fosters an appreciation for different gifts, talents, and vocations, promoting unity amid diversity within the broader Christian community. As Maros puts it, “God meets people in [their racial-ethnic-cultural identity] and uses it to equip them for participation in God’s work in the world.”²⁵

Calling in Practice: Congregations 

As Christian leaders, how do we cultivate congregations that embody these values as a beloved community with a deep sense of belonging, committed to putting beliefs into practice and bearing witness to the reconciling message of Jesus Christ—to proclaim, demonstrate, and live out his gospel throughout the whole world and especially within our neighbouring communities? Such vision reflects this reimagined understanding of the vocation of the church. And indeed, a more comprehensive understanding of God’s calling empowers individuals and communities to be witnesses to the work of God in and for the world. 

In our journey with Regent Exchange, we accompanied cohorts of local churches in the pursuit of discerning and incarnating a church’s sense of calling in their communities. Throughout their vocational journey, churches were listening together (to God, one another, and their neighbours) and discerning how God might be calling them to respond to the unique needs and circumstances of their context in light of their congregation’s particular giftings and resources. 

This process of listening and discovery, learning how to discern and incarnate a congregation’s sense of calling, was a key focus in facilitating church learning communities. Utilizing an orthopraxis approach of reflection and action, we explored vocation as a learning journey, grounded in local socio-cultural-geographical congregational contexts. The learning journey consisted of an iterative cycle of listening and discerning together, then responding through a creative process of designing and implementing various “calling experiments,” which then resulted in new learning and further opportunities for living out God’s call in their place. 

The iterative nature of the project meant that our approach was largely process-oriented. Churches engaged in learning tasks in which they were listening and learning about themselves (e.g., their teams, congregational giftings/resources, church history), and their respective contexts (e.g., their neighbours, place, resources, gaps). Many of these churches found that the listening tool of appreciative inquiry offered a structured way of listening to their neighbours as well as to themselves. Appreciative inquiry is an asset-based approach that helps to focus on strengths rather than needs. In many cases, what churches heard prompted them to change their strategies to better respond to the questions that people were actually asking—often to their surprise.

One local church had a clear sense of their own identity from the outset, which could be characterized as contemplative and artistic with close connections in their neighbourhood. Through a series of discernment retreats, the congregation experimented with sung night prayers, a cooperative artists’ studio, and a youth initiative that paired congregants with local youth, both to learn new skills, such as sculpture-making and baking, and to build intergenerational relationships.²⁶

Another church, largely made up of multi-generational immigrant families, commissioned a small team to build connections with their neighbours. After a process of listening and discernment, the church hosted a neighbourhood block party, especially for local families and children. Through this initiative, the church deepened connections within their congregation, drew upon congregational resources and giftings, and built relationships with neighbours and local businesses. 

The diversity of church and community contexts within Regent Exchange attests to the complex interplay of dynamics that shape how churches discern and live out their callings. And indeed, context matters greatly when it comes to churches discerning how God’s Spirit may be leading a faith community to bear witness to the reconciling and restoring work of God in light of their respective social, cultural, and geographic milieu—along with their particular congregational identity, history, and giftedness. In light of these dynamics, the church as a learning community must do the ongoing evaluative work necessary to better understand themselves and their place.

Over time, we also recognized the significant role of vocational practices to foster attentiveness to God’s call and cultivate belonging within church learning communities. These practices included dialogue, discernment, and doxology and were incorporated into the learning journey curriculum. And while each congregation applied these practices in unique ways, the regular rhythms of meeting together in an environment of trusting relationship aided in nurturing the discernment process. 

Calling in Practice: Theological Education

The potential implications of embracing this reimagined understanding of vocation within theological education are both profound and promising. By incorporating this vision into theological curricula, we create spaces where students can grapple with the complexities of vocation within diverse cultural and societal contexts. This approach encourages a shift from individualistic pursuits²⁷ to a collective and context-aware discernment of God’s call. Theological education becomes a dynamic platform where the missio Dei serves as a guiding framework, enabling students to perceive vocation not merely as a personal career decision but as an integral part of participating in God’s narrative of restoration and reconciliation. 

By emphasizing the communal nature of vocation, theological education can foster a sense of belonging and mutual accountability among future leaders, preparing them to navigate the challenges of leading congregations toward a more inclusive and transformative understanding of their collective calling. As we integrate these principles into theological training, we equip emerging leaders to not only articulate theological concepts but also to embody and guide congregations in living out a shared vocation within the broader mission of God.

By emphasizing the communal nature of vocation, theological education can foster a sense of belonging and mutual accountability among future leaders.Further, in an age of excessive individualization, when theological institutions are grappling with the consequences of a progressive “unraveling” of the systems and structures of organized religion, a renewed focus on the collective implications for calling offers creative and even transformative curricular possibilities for both students and institutions. Ted Smith suggests that corporate practices in ministry can be deeply formative and generate new theological insights.²⁸ So, too, more qualitative forms of community/congregation–based research and inquiry in conversation with others offer potential to shape theological, pastoral, and vocational understanding and practice.²⁹

Conclusion

We have shared a vision of vocation within church communities that we find deeply transformative, drawing inspiration from the enriching experiences of Regent Exchange and rooted in profound theological insights. Our exploration underscores the dynamic and ongoing nature of calling, intimately connected to our identity as members of God’s family and our collective journey of faith. As we reflect on contemporary challenges, including individualism and the potential misuse of “calling” language, we advocate for a shift toward a more holistic understanding anchored in the missio Dei. By expanding the context of vocation to embrace diverse cultural and societal nuances, we propose a collective vision of vocation within the church. Envisioning local congregations as vibrant learning communities, we aspire to a shared journey of growth, change, and discipleship, placing a spotlight on the beauty of community and the strength found in diversity. In conclusion, we emphasize the pivotal role of fostering a church that responds collectively to God’s call, embodying reconciliation and actively engaging in God’s transformative mission for the world. This reimagined understanding of vocation inspires and empowers us all to be witnesses to the profound work of God, living out our calling within the rich tapestry of our unique contexts.