What is the most crucial question in discerning or determining vocation? How does vocation change or evolve through the stages of an adult’s life? Where do we find the courage to follow God’s call and embrace our God-given potential?
Author and theological educator Gordon T. Smith asserts that it is through vocation that we come to a deep appreciation that God takes us seriously. While we all have a general call to love God and neighbor, for each individual there is a specific call—a defining life purpose or mission.
“Each individual is called of God to respond uniquely through service in the world.” Rev. Dr. Smith describes three expressions of vocation: the general call to follow Jesus, the specific call to a unique mission in the world, and the immediate call to our current duties and responsibilities.
If you long to hear and follow God’s call, listen to this dynamic discussion of the key themes in Rev. Dr. Smith’s book “Courage & Calling: Embracing Your God-Given Potential.”
Gordon T. Smith
Gordon T. Smith is president of reSource Leadership International, an agency that seeks to foster excellence in theological education in the developing world. Before assuming this position in 2003, he served as Vice President and Academic Dean of Regent College in Vancouver, B.C., where he continues to teach part time. Gordon also served as Dean of Canadian Theological Seminary in Canada and of Alliance Biblical Seminary in the Philippines and has had several pastoral appointments including senior pastor of a congregation in Ontario and of an international congregation in the Philippines. His work as an academic administrator is complemented by extensive research, writing, and teaching in systematic and spiritual theology, particularly the theology of religious experience. His numerous publications on topics such as the place of vocation in the life of a Christian and the place of the Lord’s Supper in the life of the church include Courage & Calling: Embracing Your God-Given Potential.
Hello Tori,
I am david gillock. I am currently a student at Colorado Christian University, working toward a BA in Biblical Studies (minor will be in interpersonal communication). In my first class, I am struggling to keep up with my readings because my main textbook, Courage and Calling (Smith, 1999), got here late. Plus I drive truck in the afternoon until early mornings, Monday through Friday. So I am looking for a way to use this textbook for free until I either get caught up or can purchase an ecopy for myself.
I believe that my calling as a minister isn’t for a congregation, but for individuals who I meet along this life journery. I believe that I am called alongside to help, not to be above; or to assist and be a team member, but not to be the leader.
Thank you, Tori, and Yahvah bless and keep you (Numbers 6:227-27, NKJV).
Davidg
You have chosen a beautiful book and wonderful mentor to help you with your own calling to minister to fellow sojourners. May the Lord bless you richly as you follow your path, David. Thank you for taking the time to comment.