Unleashing Our Calling: Today's Christians Find Fulfillment in Their Vocations

Abstract

Prof. Paustian provides this direction to his essay on the doctrine of vocation in the Christian’s life: “First, we’ll view the doctrine of vocation in light of the current scene. Much has changed since the Reformation and much is now said about vocation to make the doctrine difficult to realize. Next, we’ll explore how a pastor models a theological sensitivity in his constant conversation with the flock, keeping the spotlight on the grace of God, without which there is no vocation, only work. His special concern is those who find no meaning in what they are, nevertheless, obligated to do by their place in life. Lastly, we’ll consider how the doctrine of vocation informs the many roles of the parish pastor as he guides the congregation in the constant rhythm of the scattering, gathering, and scattering again Church, as she commissions her priests into the frenzy of customer service and the grime of factories, into nurseries and grocery stores, office buildings and gradeschool classrooms.”