Medieval Christians lived in a tension between action and contemplation, between this world and the next

Martin Luther challenged centuries of vocational reflection

The Reformed tradition emphasized laboring in one’s calling for God and for neighbor

John Wesley encouraged Methodists to seek holiness of heart and life in ways that also transformed their secular vocations

Snapshots from the book God at Work: The History and Promise of the Faith at Work Movement

Famous Christians talked about issues that still confront us in our vocations today. Hear them in their own words.

George Herbert writes of doing all things for Christ—and the discouragement when doing all things seems to not be enough.

Christian vocation has been understood in many ways

An interview with the editor of the Theology of Work Project

Early Christians preached that coming to Christ changed everything

Charioteers, prostitutes and military governors all had to quit

Excerpt from Perpetua’s martyrdom account

Benedict’s monastic Rule addresses both physical and spiritual aspects of the monastic calling

Why should I go there?

Martin Luther writes about what makes an honorable vocation

A quick survey of vocation throughout church history

"The Lord’s calling is in everything the beginning and foundation of well-doing"

"Christians! Go on in doing good to all men with cheerfulness"

John Wesley encourages a work ethic

Four Christian thinkers reflect on how God called them and calls us

Learn more about the stories featured in this issue, and put God’s calling to Christians throughout history in context, with resources recommended by CH editorial staff and this issue’s contributors