Volunteer, Ministry and Vocation

References:
Strengths Finder/Living your Strengths - Marcus Buckingham
Listening Hearts - Farnham, Gill, McLean, and Ward
Following The Path - Joan Chittister
Living on the Border of the Holy - L. William Countryman

When God calls a congregation, we speak of mission

When God calls an individual, we speak of vocation.  Fowler - “To be in vocation is to find a purpose for one’s life that is part of the purposes of God. Vocation is that response one makes with one’s total life to the call of God to partnership..”  

God equips each person for a unique role in the drama of salvation.

A person finds meaning in life by discovering and playing his or her part in God’s purpose for the world.  Vocation is not chiefly an external duty or obligation, but the key to a life of abundant purpose and fulfillment.

Our vocation is to be our true self, to mature into the persons in whom God delights.  The place God calls us to be is the place where we feel truly ourselves, able to give the gifts we have in service to others.

Determine our gifts:

1.What are my unique, God-given gifts? 2.How can I be a patron of another’s gifts?  3. Which piece of God’s vision is mine?  4. What is God calling me to do?  5. Is there a corporate dimension for my vocation? 6. How do my unique gifts and calling tie me into the larger body of believers?

Our gifts are a pillar of vocation.

Living Your Strengths

We are connected to the church not primarily for our own comfort, but so we can contribute what we have been given in a community if support and accountability.

Frederick Buechner - “The place God calls you is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”  When we are doing what we love to do, there is a good chance that we are exercising our gifts.

James Fowler - Model of Vocation

Cherished - the Creator knows each of you by name - Psalms

Gifted - What you do well and love doing are gifts from God - Paul (1 Cor.)

Passionate - Your passionate response to the needs of the world can guide you to what God wants for you.

Committed - Your freedom comes from choosing to be prisoners of the Lord.  Your hearts are made captivated by God, only she you allow this to happen, do you find your true vocation and live in a manner worthy of your calling.  (Ephesians)

Communal - You become true individuals only in community, in relation to God and neighbor.  In community you discover your gifts and your call. (1 Cor.)