Some notes I took at my church’s Women’s Night recently, the topic was Centred in Purpose and Calling with guest speaker Kara Martin.
Myths of vocation
- Calling is all about me
- God tangibly calls people – happens sometimes not always or for everyone
- There is one thing I am called to do – often it’s not just one thing but a whole range
- Calling is just about church work – calling is to all of life
- Vocation = occupation. Martin Luther – “…all works are measured before God by faith alone” calling is any work or context God places you
- One call three dimensions
- to belong to God, salvation Ephesians 1:18
- To be, holy living 2 Timothy 1:9
- To do, serve continuing Jesus mission, Isaiah 42:6-7/Luke 4/Isaiah 61
God’s unique call on your life which is an integrated expression of who you’ve been created to be.
Making sense of calling: see your life as a story
- Calling is usually recognised looking back
- Calling takes place in a bigger context
- Being called does not always mean being happy
- You are not the author of the story
Acts 3:11-21
- for Peter, Jesus’ life only made sense in reverse
- Jesus’ internal sense of calling was strong enough for him to endure
- Jesus is the ‘author’ of life (v.15) of your story, your calling, your work
Colossians 1:28
Vocation vs vacation
Pilgrim vs tourist
- Every moment has a sacred significance
- Every encounter is a divine appointment
- You are conscious of walking on holy ground
Write Your Purpose Statement
- Who am I? (I am God’s instrument…)
- The people I serve? (who helps ordinary Christians…)
- How? (to see the way they are uniquely shaped by God…)
- The outcome? (to build for the kingdom where he has placed them)