[Saecularis Angel...]

A discussion in another thread got me thinking. For many of us, religious beliefs include the idea of vocation; that we are each, individually, called to something specific as a form of service or way of life.

For me, that often ends up with an implied capital "v" because, after a long process of discussion, examination and discernment, my church and I have agreed that my vocation is to its public ministry.

But some religions don't have that kind of ministry, and some religions claim that everyone has a calling to something in the community of faith, and the whole concept is very flexible. Some people talk about vocation to marriage, or to a particular profession.

So I wondered if we could have a chat - do you have a sense of vocation? How did it come about? Did you test it, or run it past others? How did they respond? Do you think the concept is bollocks, or a dangerous prop to ego? In short, what do you think of the idea? I'd love to hear from people with different experiences to me...

[howdo]

I have absolutely no sense of Vocation in a religious sense. I do hold with the idea of being 'called to the work' but don't associate it with Vocation. I feel a small measure of Vocation about my profession, but it's far from a large part of it.

I'm not really sure how to address the OP as a result!!

[Saecularis Angel...]

Oh...would it be better if I asked about a sense of calling? To me that means exactly the same thing.

[howdo]

No, I don't have a 'sense of calling' either LOL

For me 'being called' isn't an intensely deeply comes-from-inside-me thing. For me 'being called' is outside of me, it's something God does. I know of some people who feel a deep connection to their calling, but I don't feel that for my current calling. I feel it more when working with children and young people but I'm not serving in that capacity at the moment.

'A Calling' for me is about the role you perform in the religious community and sometimes it's something you really identify with and sometimes you come to appreciate new things from it.

I suspect I have a very different view to yourself, Ange!

[Saecularis Angel...]

I don't know...for me, calling is linked to identity. The God who created me, calls me to live out his creation to the fullest extent. It's also linked to gifting - we're all gifted differently, in order to serve one another. To me, my identity and my calling are found where my greatest gifting and passion meets the world's greatest need.

Don't get me wrong - there've been plenty of times I've been cleaning up the vomit, alcohol and needles left on the steps of the church (CBD location is a mixed blessing) and known that sometimes it's purely a matter of availability! But I've also known that that is only part of the bigger picture of my life.

[howdo]

I can see how it's that way for you. 'Being Called' is more of an organisational thing the way I am used to seeing it. Some people really 'feel called'.

I never have.

This post has been edited by howdo: 02/01/2013, 04:54 PM

[Saecularis Angel...]

Then on what basis does the religious organisation assign people to different tasks, in your experience?

[Lees75]

I have lots of thoughts on this, but have to go do the grocery shopping- lol! I will be back later:)

[howdo]

For mine, they are extended a calling. In practice the Ward Council (leaders of Ward organisations or 'Ministries') considers which tasks need to be done and relevant people (president and assistants of that 'Ministry') put forward names of people whom they prayerfully consider to be suited to the task. The person who needs to submit a name prayerfully considers by engaging in prayer and them remaining open to hear God. When they have a name impressed upon them by God this name is submitted to the Bishop (or in the case of a higher level of calling to whomever presides at that level).

The Bishop (or whomever it is considering the calling) confers with his assistants (counsellors) on the matter and then one of them has a conversation with the person to extend the call. The person selected for the task can accept or reject the calling. Mostly people accept, sometimes they go away to confirm the calling through their own prayer and sometimes they refuse.

Only when all parties feel the calling to be right, and from God is the person formally called. They are presented to the congregation who must then ratify that decision. The person is then set apart to take on that role by priesthood leaders.

IME some people 'feel' the calling and some do not. Some only 'feel' it after they have done the calling for a while. I don't usually 'feel' it. I do feel happier about working with children and youth or in teaching roles than in my current role for example. So that' possibly 'my thing' I don't see it as a vocation though - just the area I enjoy and that is evident in my choice of career!

I don't feel 'called' to do anything though. The feeling just isn't that strong and I am open to performing service in many ways, or being called to do various things. I know that sometimes people are surprised by a calling but it fits like a glove from the moment they are set apart.

I'm not a very spiritual person, not really. I enjoy serving in some places more than others though. I'm probably not making it any clearer ... but that's what I mean by Vocation not being tied to religion. Since I was 18 I have worked with 3yos, children's music, FREQUENTLY with the babies (18mths-3yrs), with 4-6yos, teaching youth 14-16yo in both unisex Sunday School and the Girls' youth programs, teaching the women's auxiliary and as various forms of secretary for youth and women's organisations at several levels. Right now I'm arm waving for the women's auxiliary meetings on Sunday and I don't feel it's my thing at all! My profession is definitely closer to any vocation I might feel right now!

[reneelovescraig]

I really like the following quote by Frederick Buechner: ‘Your vocation is to be found where your greatest passion meets the world’s greatest need’.

What is your favourite thing to do?
Where are you needest the most?

Find where the above two points meet, and that is your vocation. Could be to be a mother to your children, a doctor, a teacher, a missionary overseas, etc

My "niche" or my vocation is also a ministry at church; I interpret for the Deaf into Auslan. I feel most fulfilled when I am doing it. I am passionate about it and others affirm my skills. I am fully confident that it is God's will for my life to do it.