Vocation

In a world of consumption, participation

One of the most fundamental ways we understand ourselves as human beings is as those made in the image of God. This is not only a statement of the inherent dignity and worth that each person possesses–it is also a descriptor of the role we play in God’s good creation.

In Ancient Near Eastern cultures, images of the divine were meant to be proximate, physical markers indicating that a king had rightful possession of a place. When God established man and woman to bear his image, he invited them to partner in expressing his rule over his creation by participating in the renewal of all things. Our God invites us into participating in the care of his creation, the ordering of his world: this is one of our fundamental duties.

We see our vocations, the work that we labor in throughout the week, as intimately connected to the purposes that God wants to accomplish in the world, not separate from it. This is true for work of all kinds–blue collar work, child rearing, white collar jobs, the arts–all work is meant to be something in which we see truth, goodness, and beauty manifested for the good of all people.

This integration of faith and work is something that we hope to grow in as a congregation by thinking about its implications for our industries, in our hobbies, and for the relationships we steward in these spaces. As we grow in this space, here are some things that are shaping our thinking:

Interested in exploring this topic further or organizing people in your industry to meet together? Reach out to let us know!