Proverbs 16:9 

The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.

• The call to Christian living is the foundation of effective ministry–regardless of vocation.
• If you want to learn more about your calling as a Christ follower, spend more time in God’s word. If you are stuck on a starting point, read the Sermon on the Mount in Mathew 5-7. There you will find a great overview of what Christ has called every single Christ follower to.
• If you have ambitions to be in vocational ministry, you should read the qualifications of Deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8-12. Or, if you have ambitions to become an Elders, read in Titus 1:5-9, 1 Tim. 3:1-7, and 1 Peter 5:1-4. Clarity around the requirements of these roles exist. If you do not meet the qualifications, then you should not be called to either of these roles by the church. 

I think the bulk of the angst that exists around vocational decision making is that we don’t separate the two. We think we are making a highly spiritual decision when we choose a career path. One of the most beautiful things about our God is that He allows us to participate in ministry. And by our diligent pursuit of living a Christ centered life, we find ourselves in a very exciting position. Largely, we can do whatever we are skilled to do vocationally and have the opportunity to minister to a lost world. Simply because we are striving to be obedient to the call God has placed on our lives as Christ followers. 

As you seek to assess where to go, here is what I would encourage you to ask yourself.

1. How should I respond to what is happening right now?

2. What do I care about? (What don’t I care about?)

3. What am I good at? (What am I bad at?)

4. What types of problems keep finding me?

5. What frustrates me?

6. What hardships has God allowed me to endure?

7. What situations can I endure?

8. What does scripture say?

Some cautions.

you typically don’t find success when you try to help people solve problems you haven’t solved. 

• Be patient. It will feel like everyone else has it figured out before you do. That’s ok.
• Don’t assume your hardships are things you need to get away from. Sometimes the challenging things in life actually need to be leaned into, not run from.
• Don’t assume that things that are easy for you are easy for everyone.
• A career change isn’t bad. And chances are, your previous season will make you better at what you are moving into next.