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 guidance and, through prayer and reflection, offers clear advice for individual believer’s career decisions. 

  • 80,000 Hours View

    Maximize measurable, impartial global impact—guided by expert advice, especially within the effective altruism movement.

  • Specific Calling View

    God has one distinct plan for your life and you can discern this 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 primary means of discerning God's voice for career decisions.

  • Self-Actualization View

    Prioritize personal growth and self-expression, with personal fulfillment valued over external impact.

  • Ignatian Discernment View

    Vocational calling is discovered through prayerful attention to inner spiritual movements, with the help of a spiritual mentor.

  • Progressive Ethical View

    Vocation must further ethically-driven social transformation, grounded in principles of justice and equality.

  • Co-deciding View

    Prioritize the voice of your church community in discerning where and how God might be leading you.

  • Classical Reformation View

    Vocation is faithful service in all roles—work, family, church, and society—discerned through Scripture, reason, and community.