Vocation and Professions
The first topic that the Seminars have begun to explore is the issue of vocation in relation to professional work and identity. While the concept of vocation has received increased attention in recent years, there has been little theological reflection on the meaning of professions in contemporary society. The Seminar on Vocation, Faith and the Professions therefore aims to develop a theological interpretation of vocation as it relates to particular professions.
In the summer of 2010 we held initial meetings with theologians, pastors, professional educators, and young adult ministers to learn about research and ministry that is currently being done around vocation and profession. As we assemble a core seminar to explore the intersection of vocation and profession over a sustained period of time, we have also developed a small group program to engage people in congregations around questions of vocation and professional identity. Called to Work: Reflecting on Vocation and Profession is currently being piloted throughout Minnesota.
The central questions for the Seminar on Vocation, Faith and the Professions include:
- How do Christians in various professions understand their work as vocation?
- How does faith influence Christians' professional identity and practice? How does professional practice shape religious faith in turn?
- How can congregations become places of vocational discernment, reflection, and celebration?
- What areas of theological inquiry remain to be explored in order to develop a more robust theology of vocation?