From Monks to Mechanics: Does the History of ‘Calling’ Really Matter?

The word “calling” has meant different things to different people throughout history. Is it more than just a calling to God, an official role at church, or your job? In his book, Callings, editor William C. Placher divides the idea of calling and vocation into four epochs in history. The four periods Placher describes include Early […]

Find Your Calling Series: Drop the Key and Take a Risk

Comparably, a sloth was more active in a given week than my time in Sweden several years ago. Relaxing in the park, renting movies, and sleeping until 11:00 am filled my vacation time. I had no imminent responsibilities, no people to phone, and zero emails to send. British Airways had errantly sent my luggage to […]

Find Your Calling Series: Are Calling, Vocation, Mission, and Vision Different?

Before we go any further in this series on calling, I need to correctly define the terms. The words “calling,” “vocation,” “mission,” “vision,” “ministry,” “job,” and “work” can be confusing and almost head-splitting to differentiate. Few have criticized me for shallow writing. Therefore let me keep my reputation for being thorough and pedantic in this […]

Find Your Calling Series: Does God Care What Job You Have?

A slight, young man with striking blue eyes sat near a dimly lit candle in the library. He was in the midst of discovering his calling. Before him lay several pamphlets outlining the massive injustice of his day. Cruelty was rampant in Britain, and God sparked within his heart an inferno of conviction to fight […]