12 Theologies of Vocation

Twelve ways you might go about discerning God’s will for your career

  • CFI View

    Prioritize maximum impact for the renewal of the world, guided by research and scripture, balanced with other Christian commitments.

  • Wisdom View

    God doesn’t usually give direct instructions about career choices; Instead, He equips us with wisdom, through Scripture, reason, and community.

  • Scripture Self-Revealing View

    The bible is the primary means for direct individual guidance to each believer for career decisions. 

  • 80,000 Hours View

    Paths that maximize measurable, impartial global impact—guided by expert advice, especially within the effective altruism movement—are prioritized

  • Specific Calling View

    One distinct path from God can be discerned through prayer and reflection.

  • 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.

  • Charismatic Discernment View

    Supernatural means—like prophecy, dreams, visions, and inner impressions—are prioritized for discerning God's voice for career decisions.

  • Self-Actualization View

    Personal growth and self-expression are prioritized, with personal fulfillment valued over external impact.

  • 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.

  • Progressive Calling View

    Vocation is seen as ethically driven social transformation, grounded in principles of justice and equality.

  • Co-deciding View

    You value the role of your church community in helping you discern where and how God might be leading you.

  • 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.