A CONGREGATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR THE DOCTRINE OF VOCATION

A CONGREGATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR THE DOCTRINE OF VOCATION

Brad Hales

“I just can’t do this job any longer. I’m tired, burnt out, and I don’t want to continue in this work.” These were the words I heard from a middle-aged man a couple of years ago as I visited with him in his home. Because of his frustration with his company’s leadership, work conditions, travel time, and those he had to supervise, work for him was drudgery and had become deflating.

As we sat around his dining room table, I asked him to consider having a different approach toward his career. Instead of thinking of his employment as a way to make “ends meet,” I suggested that he begin to look at it as a “ministry,” an occupation not filled with disappointment, but instead an opportunity to touch lives.

A few months later I received a message from this gentleman, and it was refreshing. As he began to look at his work as ministry, his attitude changed. He was happier with

himself, those whom he worked with, and the customers who entered the store. While our culture may look at work as a way to pay the bills or get ahead, Christians are called to have a different perspective. Because it is in our vocations and the relationships and encounters that we make in those occupations which allow us to live for Jesus, share Jesus, and make disciples for Jesus.

Scriptural References on Vocation

Holy Scripture is filled with references about vocation and about the priesthood of all believers. In I Peter 2:9 it is written, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”1 When the Hebrews were in Sinai, the Lord extolled Moses to share His words with the people, “Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel” (Exodus 19-5-6). And in Revelation 1:5-6, John tells us that Christ himself has made us God’s priests. It reads, “and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings

It is in our vocations and the relationships and encounters that we make in those occupations, which allow us to live for Jesus, share Jesus, and make disciples for Jesus.

on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever.” We are called to be God’s priests in the world to share Jesus with others.

The theme of vocation, or call, was emphasized by Luther during the Reformation. While the Roman Church continued to elevate the significance of “spiritual vocations” as being closer to God, Luther vehemently defended the ordinary stations of daily life in which individuals could gladly serve others in faith. In his book, The Christian’s Calling, Donald Heiges echoes Luther’s sentiments as he writes, “Out of gratitude and love, insisted Luther, Christians will gladly serve others in whatever situation they find themselves, and with absolutely no expectation of reward either from God or humanity. Only a person liberated by Christ can afford to live like that. And such a person can afford it because in Christ he or she has everything needed for time and eternity. Persons liberated by Christ can forget about merit and can concentrate upon others’ needs.”2

Through being justified by faith and not by works, we can freely serve our neighbors in whatever the Lord has called and equipped us to do. In his article, “Martin Luther and the Doctrine of Vocation - A Matter of Discipleship,” Derek Brown writes, “Luther’s redefinition of good works enabled the believer to see that any work conducted in faith was an opportunity to reflect his Creator and love his neighbor. A mother provides food, clothing, and a well-kept home for her closest neighbors—her children and husband. The cobbler provides quality footwear to his customers and a reasonable living to anyone he might employ. The farmer supplies food for the greater community. The blacksmith forges tools that will enable his neighbor to work efficiently and effectively. The pastor provides spiritual sustenance for the men and women in his congregation. In every case, the Christian is exercising dominion in their specific calling and serving their neighbor. Such work, when conducted ‘in faith, in joy of heart, in obedience and gratitude to God’ is pleasing to the Lord.”3

And the beauty is, we can share our love for Christ with people in all kinds of vocations. Whether it’s with a family member, a person in a specific vocation we are doing business with, or a random encounter with someone in our community, there is always that opportunity to share Jesus with others. I once had a church member who was a lab technician in a hospital. During her lunch break, she would go into the break room and start reading her Bible. The interactions she had by just opening the scriptures were astounding.

The many hours we spend at work provide us with countless contacts where we can then make Christ known to others. In his book God at Work, Gene Veith writes,

Furthermore, it is in vocation that evangelism can most effectively happen. How can non-Christians be reached by the Gospel? By definition, they are unlikely to come to church. Perhaps, an evangelist might knock on doors, but these days they may never let him in. But in the workplace, non-Christians and Christians work together and get to know each other. Occasions for witnessing and inviting a colleague to church come up in natural ways―over the watercooler or during a coffee break, discussing a disaster or a failing marriage, or in times of joy such as the birth of a child. Christians penetrating their world in vocations have access to more nonbelievers than a pastor does.”4

It is clear that the ministry of Jesus happens through our various calls, as the Holy Spirit is constantly working in us to serve and communicate the Good News. Paul writes in II Thessalonians 1:11-12, “With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

How can the church train and equip the saints for outreach and disciplemaking in their relationships and careers? It begins with discerning the call, identifying gifts, equipping for ministry, and focusing on vocational discipleship.

As vocation, the priesthood of all believers is a central aspect of Lutheran theology. How can this construct be implemented at the congregational level? How can the church train and equip the saints for outreach and disciple-making in their relationships and careers? It begins with discerning the call, identifying gifts, equipping for ministry, and focusing on vocational discipleship.

Discerning The Call

Paul writes in Ephesians 4:1-3, “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Not long ago I was meeting with an individual who didn’t know what kind of career he wanted to pursue. He had worked in various jobs, but at present, he was again searching for God’s plan for his life. As we began to talk about potential occupations, he shared his anxiety and concern over what might be the most meaningful employment for him. “How do I know what God wants me to do?”

I believe that one of the roles of the church is to help people to discern what the Holy Spirit is calling them to do in their earthly work lives. We do this by taking the time to visit with someone, we pray for the Lord’s guidance, and then we identify his or her passions and abilities. We discuss the differing career opportunities, knowing that it’s the Savior ultimately calling, and that He is using these vocations to serve Him by serving others. Veith writes, “The doctrine of vocation, though it has to do with human work, is essentially about God’s work and how God works in and through our lives. Finding our vocations is not just ‘finding my lifework,’ nor even ‘finding what God wants me to do.’ Though these things may be part of the vocational cross we have to struggle with, finding our vocation is largely a matter of finding where God is, the God who hides Himself in our neighbors, in ourselves, and in His world. Once we notice the Hidden God and realize how He is at work―in the workplace, families, the community, and the church—and when we realize the part we play in His design—we have found our vocation.”5

Identifying Gifts

I once knew a woman who had been an administrative assistant in her early career. After her children were born, she was a stay-at-home mom. But after they entered school, and looking for something to do, she decided make herself available for substitute teaching. Even though she didn’t believe she did, others saw that this woman had definite gifts for teaching. The administrator of the small Christian school offered her a position to teach kindergarten. Hesitantly, and with a lack of confidence, she decided to move forward with the job. It was the best decision of her life. She loved being an educator so much, that she felt called to finish her undergraduate degree in elementary education, obtain her state teaching license, and now teaches at a public school. It all started with others identifying the gifts that she possessed.

Gene Veith

The local church has the unique opportunity to assist believers in identifying their vocational talents for ministry. In I Peter 4:10 it is written, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.” Whether its I Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4, or Romans 12, Scripture reveals the various gifts that the Holy Spirit uses for sharing Jesus, and for building up the body of Christ. The congregation can help people to find and understand their giftedness through inventories, personal intakes, by defining their interests, and through preaching/teaching. According to Veith, “Such is the plentitude of God’s creation that no two people or snowflakes or leaves or anything God has made are exactly alike. Vocations are unique, with no two people taking up exactly the same space in the family, the nation, the church, or the workplace. Finding your vocation, then, has to do, in part, with finding your God-given talents (what you can do) and your God-given personality (what fits the person you are).”6

Equipping

Take the example of a typical Thursday afternoon meeting at my church. There are two members of my congregation who meet at the church each week studying the scriptures, reading other theological books, looking at the events of the world, talking about their health, families, and supporting each other in their active, service-driven retirements. I like to call their meetings the “equipping hour.” The Holy Spirit is always using the church to help equip the saints for the ministry of Christ.

In Ephesians 4:11-12, Paul writes about the church’s responsibility to equip, “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” So, how can the local parish equip its members in a tangible way? Well first, we teach them the Word of God. Paul writes in Il Timothy 3:16-17 that, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” Whether it’s within a small group, a retreat format, or just when a few people gather together, reading, studying, and memorizing the Holy Scriptures goes a long way in equipping us to live out our vocations.

Whether it’s within a small group, a retreat format, or just when a few people gather together, reading, studying, and memorizing the Holy Scriptures goes a long way in equipping us to live out our vocations.

Second, the church equips us in worship through Word and Sacrament. It’s in worship that the Triune God is praised. It’s in worship where we are offered forgiveness by the spoken and physical Word (Holy Communion). And it’s in worship where we hear the Scriptures read and preached. Hebrews 10:23-25 tells us, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” On many occasions I have referred to the church as a “spiritual refueling station.” During the service, we are filled by the Spirit not to stay confined within the four walls of the worship space, but to go out into the world being Christ(s) to our neighbors.

Third, the Body equips by teaching others how to pray. Philippians 4:6 states, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” One of the main things that we try to continually teach and model in my congregation is how to pray for people ―not after the fact, but as we encounter them. Whether it be on the phone, in a parking lot, at a business meeting or even in the church building, providing someone with the tools and confidence to pray for another person right then and there not only demonstrates concern, but it is also shares Jesus in an extremely powerful way.

Fourth, the local faith community equips by encouraging fellow believers to serve. In John 13: 13-15, after Jesus washes the feet of his disciples, he tells them, “You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so am I. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” We serve, because Christ served. Serving God means serving and loving others. I know it is easy to promote this kind of service solely within the church. But when we encourage service outside of the church walls, it provides members with an opportunity for encounters with non-believers who may never enter a church.

In the community where I pastor, several of the church members serve at the local food closet. Some unload the food off the truck. Others organize cans on the shelves. Some fill the grocery bags and hand them to the clients. But no matter how they serve, their work at the food closet allows them to make connections with people that they might never have come into contact with. And it’s through this care of neighbors that Christ becomes real and tangible.

Fifth, the church equips by helping believers share their faith. As Acts 1:8 tells us, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” This may be one of the hardest things to do. Because of shyness, fear of rejection or thinking that he or she will say the wrong things, the average Christian is sometimes reluctant in proclaiming their belief in the Lord, especially with those who have ambivalent feelings toward God. While there are different ways to teach people how to share the faith, one that has always worked well in my experience is asking individuals at the beginning of the worship service if they have any praise or thanksgiving reports on how Jesus has been involved in their lives. This is what we call the “Praise Report.” We encourage members to share these accounts with the congregation, as this is usually a safe and supportive place where members can speak openly.

Discerning the call, identifying our gifts and then equipping the saints prepares us for true Vocational Discipleship.

Discerning the call, identifying our gifts and then equipping the saints prepares us for true Vocational Discipleship. Through our vocations we strive to live for Christ and make disciples for Jesus. And it is through our careers and relationships that we are able to connect others with the Savior. Active discipleship is not taught in a classroom. It is lived, it is modeled, and it is exemplified in our daily living with those we encounter.

There is an individual in my church who has one of the most difficult jobs. She works as a customer services representative at Walmart. Daily, this woman gets questions, complaints, demands, and even verbal attacks. But as a person of faith, she perseveres with kindness, a smile, and she has the ability to deescalate. Even in the most tedious of work situations, a disciple is able to emulate the Master by serving others.

In Hebrews 13:20-21 it is written, “Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us[that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever.” Through our baptisms, we have been ordained by God to be his priests in the world. This is done through our vocations - work, relationships, and encounters.

While the world may see a job as something that swallows up hours and creates misery, just to meet our financial obligations, that is not God’s intention. He blesses us with vocations so we can experience joy in these occupations, but also so that we might gain intentional paths where Jesus is made real in the lives of our co-workers, friends, family members, and acquaintances. If we look at work as a drag, it will be like the words in Ecclesiastes 2:22-23, “What has a man from all the toil and striving of heart with which he toils beneath the sun? For all his days are full of sorrow, and his work is a vexation. Even in the night his heart does not rest. This also is vanity.” Instead, let us follow Paul’s words in I Corinthians 7:17, “Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches.”

Today, the church is being provided an exceptional avenue in encouraging the vocations and calls of the saints. Because it is within these very vocations, on a daily basis, that disciples are made, and neighbors are being served. In all of our vocations, we are indeed Christ’s priests in the world, lifting up the name of Jesus.

Rev. Brad Hales is Pastor of Reformation Lutheran Church in Culpeper, VA and is Director of Church Planting & Aging Ministry for the North American Lutheran Church.

Endnotes:

1Holy Bible, English Standard Version. (Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway Bibles, 2008). The English Standard Version will be used throughout this article.

2Donald Heiges, The Christian’s Calling (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1984), 46.

3Derek J. Brown “Martin Luther and the Doctrine of Vocation: A Matter of Discipleship,” Credo vol. 7 no. 1 (May 8, 2018), Volume 7, Issue 1, accessed at https://credomag.com/article/martin-luther-and-the-doctrine-of-vocation/

4Gene Veith, God at Work (Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway, 2011), 67-68.

5Ibid., 59-60.

6Ibid., 52-53.