"But now says the Lord, he who created you,
O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel;
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine."
Isaiah 43:1
"... For the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable."
Romans 11:29
"... Lead a life worthy of the calling
To which you have been called…"
Ephesians 4:1
At Advent Lutheran Church, we welcome people just as they are, respecting that all are beloved of God, gifted and called to be a part of God's saving grace given for the sake of all people and the whole of creation. As part of the body of Christ, Advent furthers its mission of 'changed lives, changing lives through Christ's love', by fostering an environment of acceptance and hopeful expectation. We share the love of Christ with all who enter and support each person to find their true voice for becoming instruments of God's transforming grace. We call this voice 'authentic vocation'.
In our society, the word vocation is typically connected with a job or career path. It is also used when referring to a religious or ordained calling. This latter understanding gets closer to the meaning of the vocation that is described here. The root of the word vocation is 'voice' or 'call'. Authentic vocation is God's call on our life and our genuine response to it. Through our vocation we give voice to our experience of God and reveal God's love and grace to others in the unique way that we are gifted and called. Authentic vocation is not limited to a select few in the church. Martin Luther was clear about this. God calls ALL. God calls each of us by name, creating, forming and transforming us for God's good purposes. It is through God that we are given the particular orientation or mission that we have to offer. This authentic vocation serves to reveal the unique face of God that we are called to share.
Advent Lutheran Church takes hold of this expanded understanding of vocation and applies it to everyday ministry. Support is given within the community for authentic vocational discernment that reaches beyond a limited focus on personal fulfillment, success, security or financial attainment to a focus on God and what God is calling into being through us. In discerning authentic vocation, time and space is provided for listening to the calling of God stirring in the deepest yearnings of our hearts. For example, when we are moved to reach out to those people and things that suffer the most from the brokenness of the world, we may realize the heart of Christ in our yearning.
The gifts of the Spirit that we manifest help us discern our authentic vocation. Spiritual gifts are recognizable because they exceed our normal capacity and they surprise us. Rather than highlighting our skill and ability, spiritual gifts direct us beyond ourselves to the wonder of God. Gifts of the Spirit demonstrate God's active presence and power in our lives. Although our personality, talents and life experiences all give shape to authentic vocation, it is the gifts of the Spirit that clarify and facilitate our responsiveness to God's call. Spiritual gifts work both alone and interdependently to reveal God's grace and love. They transform the health and wholeness of the church and the life of the world.
As we embrace our authentic vocation and the gifts and calling of God, it is important to remember that we are all one in God. Within this oneness each person is unique and has particular gifts to bring to the whole. One way to recognize if we are living out of our authentic vocation is by the fruit. Does the distinct expression of God that we share, reflect and engender the love and grace of God?
Discovery II, Spiritual Direction, and Companions in Christ are specifically offered at Advent Lutheran to explore authentic vocation and to engender the expression of God's gifts and calling within the church and in the life of the world. Within these forums, we open our lives to God in prayer and contemplation of the Scriptures. We consider our life histories, gift inventories, personality indicators and more as we engage in a variety of means of looking at ourselves and the stories of our lives that inform and affirm who we are and who we are becoming in Christ.
"You are also encouraged to fill out Advent's Offering of Gifts and Talent Survey and read about how emerging new ministries can be supported at Advent Lutheran Church.
Go to the following links to take assessments that are supportive of discerning gifts:
For more information on these and other ways to explore your gifts and callings, please contact the Spiritual Life Minister at spirit@advent-lutheran.org or call the church office at 408-779-3551.