Belated labor day thoughts

So, moving to Ohio kept me from posting on Labor Day, so I thought that I would post some of my belated Labor Day thoughts.

I think that churches should spend more time helping people see how it is that their occupation can be used to serve God. One of the ways that this was made very clear to me was at Urbana. At a discussion on Bible translation, a representative from Wycliff Bible Translators said that one of the greatest needs in his organization is for computer programmers. They are working on a babblefish-esque computer program. This is just one example of how an occupation that seemingly has nothing to do with God can be used for the Kingdom.

I also think that it is incumbent upon church leaders to help steer young, bright minds to the rostered ministry. With students being asked to specialize earlier and earlier in their academic careers, we need help students consider ministry. I do not recall anyone in the church telling me that I should consider ordained ministry. It is no wonder that our seminaries are not able to turn out new ministers fast enough to replace retirees.

These issues of vocation are of critical importance to the church as it moves forward to address the challenges of tomorrow.