Work is Calling

What does it mean to see your work in public service as a divine calling? Mark Mulliner has spent decades answering that question. A former school technology director, small business owner, and longtime alderman, Mark reflects with host Wayne Kuna on how his faith informed every decision, from community crisis response to family priorities. He shares powerful stories about the people who mentored him, how God whispered direction in moments of doubt, and how seemingly ordinary moments became divine appointments.

Mark also gets candid about parenting, losing an election, and his longing for churches to unite in visible witness. This conversation is equal parts practical, pastoral, and prophetic. If you’ve ever wondered whether your work matters to God, or how to stay the course when your values seem out of sync with the culture, Mark offers clarity, hope, and a few surprising insights, like how prayer vigils and city planning might just go hand-in-hand.

Melissa Mackey didn’t always see her work as a calling. After starting her career in campus ministry, her understanding of vocation expanded, especially as she began walking with young professionals trying to reconcile faith and work. In this episode, Wayne talks with Melissa about how the gospel reframes our view of the workplace, what it means to serve the Lord through ordinary tasks, and how we can find purpose without pressure in every season of life.

From her early dreams of becoming a marine biologist to launching Faith & Work Chicago, Melissa shares stories of surprise callings, quiet faithfulness, and the power of community to keep our eyes fixed on Christ. Whether you're questioning your own work, feeling stuck, or seeking more purpose in your job, this episode is a rich encouragement to live in freedom, knowing that your work (however big or small) is part of God’s good plan.

Wayne Shepherd seemed born to be involved in radio. But his story is a journey of discovery. At an early age he discovered his passion for radio. As an adopted child, he would also discover his unknown story and that of his birth-mother. Later, Wayne discovered his passion for radio was also his calling from God. Join us as we listen and discover what Wayne's discovery has meant to him and what it can mean to us.

Dave and Lynette are a dynamic couple. Both have turned their passions into careers. Lynette is a skilled counselor who specializes in anger while Dave is in law guiding folksthrough their financial and estate needs. Both do not see any light between what they do in their careers and how they practice following Jesus Christ. Their story will encourage and challenge you as you hear how helping people hasmotivated them to see their careers as God’s calling in their lives.

Steve has learned that life is about the WE and not the

Ruthie’s career has taken her from music and dance to

Andrew is a young musician living in Nashville. He has performed

Chip is one of the most real and unassuming people I have the privilege of calling friend. His career path has led him through practicing law, teaching as a professor and now serving as President of John Brown University. His journey also includes days of doubt and days of grief. Chip is a thinker. His observations about life, faith and work are solid and communicated with clarity. It doesn't matter what your career, you will come away with something to seriously consider from Chip's journey.

Jim Schiro is an exuberant follower of Jesus. Like you and me, his life has had ups and downs which includes a failed marriage. He’s learned that just like the wine he enjoys

John Pabon is a former Wall Street executive who experienced success but little or no fulfillment. Caught in the web of perks that his position offered, God stepped in and slammed the Wall Street door shut on him. Breaking free, John began serving not-for-profits, helping them improve their organizations. That step led to an open door as an executive where he now organizes and leads his employees to service projects here in America and around the world. #purpose #leadership #fulfillment #faithatwork #Jesus #service #servantleadership