Written by Professor Abby Hoard
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common misconception surrounding vocation and calling is that a Christian’s calling from God is mostly related to vocational ministry. While some may be called into vocational ministry, this concept stretches far beyond the traditional confines of ministerial roles. Everyone has a calling, and this calling can and should be lived out in everyday life- even in your work. As Tod Bolsinger describes, vocation is not always connected to leaving your “day job” to follow Jesus but involves “learning to serve God and love neighbor in the very place where God called you”.
However, though you may understand what vocations are, you may still be wondering, what is my calling and how do I figure it out. How does my calling connect to my career and everyday work life? Surprisingly, the answer is most likely to be found not through inward searching but by looking outward.
As Bolsinger states, “vocation does not begin with a search, but in a heart of service.” Suppose you are searching simply for personal or professional fulfillment. In that case, you will likely come up empty, as calling is most often formed in the context of serving others and fulfilling God’s command to love your neighbor.
Still, however, the main question remains: why should I pursue a leadership degree?
A leader defines the values and realities of an organization and should seek to empower and equip the members of their organization as they pursue their goals. A truly good and effective leader is one who not only influences organizational success but also seeks to cultivate growth and serve the people they are leading. ACU’s online Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership is designed to not only equip you with the necessary skills, knowledge, and strategies that you will need to pursue a career in management but also aims to help you further discern your vocational calling and be formed into a well-rounded professional who exemplifies Christian leadership in the workplace.
In many circumstances, it can be difficult to determine what it looks like to be a Christian leader, especially in the workforce. However, when you are working in your giftings and using your position to serve and advocate for others, you are in the best position to bring glory to God, no matter the industry or type of work. As the late author Dorothy Sayers said, “The only Christian work is good work well done.” By doing good work, you are bringing honor to God and fulfilling the command found in Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
If you have a temperament fit for leadership and feel a calling to serve God and love others in your everyday work, ACU’s program may be right for you. With a focus on vocational formation integrated into every course and a structure combining management theory with communication, strategy, and analytical principles, the online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership program helps you explore your identity, relationship to the world, and connection to the life and mission of God.
Learn more about the program and take the first steps to pursue a rewarding leadership career.