
12 Theologies of Vocation
Twelve ways you might go about discerning God’s will for your career
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CFI View
Prioritize maximum impact for the renewal of the world, guided by research and scripture, balanced with other Christian commitments.
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Wisdom View
God doesn’t usually give direct instructions about career choices; Instead, He equips us with wisdom, through Scripture, reason, and community.
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Scripture Self-Revealing View
The bible is the primary means for direct individual guidance to each believer for career decisions.
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80,000 Hours View
Paths that maximize measurable, impartial global impact—guided by expert advice, especially within the effective altruism movement—are prioritized
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Specific Calling View
One distinct path from God can be discerned through prayer and reflection.
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Missional Calling View
Calling is seen less as a specific career path and more as participation in God’s mission to bring justice, healing, and reconciliation in the world.
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Charismatic Discernment View
Supernatural means—like prophecy, dreams, visions, and inner impressions—are prioritized for discerning God's voice for career decisions.
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Self-Actualization View
Personal growth and self-expression are prioritized, with personal fulfillment valued over external impact.
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Ignatian Discernment View
Vocation is seen as a response to God's personal call, discovered through prayerful attention to inner spiritual movements, with the help of a spiritual mentor and a desire to love and serve God and others.
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Progressive Calling View
Vocation is seen as ethically driven social transformation, grounded in principles of justice and equality.
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Co-deciding View
You value the role of your church community in helping you discern where and how God might be leading you.
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Classical Reformation View
Vocation is seen as faithful service in all roles—work, family, church, and society—discerned through Scripture, reason, and community, with an emphasis on serving neighbors rather than seeking personal revelation or maximizing impact.