From October on Theology of Vocation

Last Month we established a Question: What does a congregation look like that lives out a theology of vocation? We defined the congregation as the people of God gathered around Word and sacraments. So this Month it is our goal to look at the Theology of Vocation.
The Theology of Vocation is outlined in many different places. It is most prominent in the Table of Duties. In Luther’s Small Catechism, he writes the Table of Duties outlining the various vocations people have. He lists things like Husband, Wife, Son, Daughter, Worker, Employer, Pastor, Hearer, etc. The Table of Duties is just a starting point.
The term Vocation comes from the term vocatio in Latin. This Latin word means calling or called. As Paul talks about walking in the way of the Lord, this is about Vocation. Walking in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, screams vocatio or Vocation.
So we think about the different things we have been called to be. Think not only of your station within the family unit, community, church, and employment. The Theology of Vocation is first and foremost about recognizing God has called you to be in these various positions. Remember if you are a Teacher, Secretary, Student, Farmer, Nurse, and even retiree God has called you to this Vocation. Similarly, if you are a mother, father, son, daughter, husband, or wife God has called you to this Vocation. 
Further than these general ideas, if you are a son or daughter, you are not just anyone’s son or daughter, but only your parents son or daughter. Thus, I am not any of you all’s son, I am only my parents’ Son. Similarly, I am not just anyone’s Pastor, I am the Pastor of Zion and First English Lutheran Churches. God has placed me in these particular vocations.
So the Theology of Vocation is the teaching that God has placed us in various callings, and given us various responsibilities. All our vocations are not just of our choosing, but truly of God’s choosing. Further, God blesses all these Vocations he has given us.

Next month we will talk about the Challenge between Holy Vocations and Less-Holy Vocations, or the struggle against Holy Orders.

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