Closing the Sunday to Monday Gap – An Essay on Career and Calling
Apr 16, 2024
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Tom Nelson, founder of Made to Flourish, discusses the integration of faith and work, emphasizing the sacredness of our daily tasks. He explores the significance of viewing work as a form of worship, shares insights on the distinction between career and calling, and highlights the importance of living out one's calling in the workplace.
All work, whether paid or unpaid, is a form of ministry and worship.
Aligning work with God's calling leads to deeper purpose and fulfillment in daily tasks.
Deep dives
Closing the Sunday to Monday Gap - Tom Nelson's Insightful Essay
Tom Nelson delves into the common misconception that certain roles, like pastors or missionaries, are deemed more holy than secular work. He emphasizes the need to view Monday workplaces as places of significant worship and witness, ensuring that every job, from business to teaching, is honored by God. By closing the gap between church and work, individuals can embrace their calling and understand that all work, whether paid or unpaid, is a form of ministry and worship.
Challenging the Notion of Career vs. Calling
Tom stresses the importance of distinguishing between a career mindset, which can breed self-absorption, and the biblical concept of calling. He highlights the relevance of being called to serve God intimately, emphasizing that the primary purpose of every individual's life, including their work, is to follow and learn from Jesus as an apprentice. By aligning work with God's calling, individuals can find deeper purpose and fulfillment in their daily tasks.
Workplace as a Site for Worship, Formation, and Witness
Tom discusses how workplaces serve as sacred spaces for worship, spiritual growth, and sharing the gospel through actions and attitudes. He underscores the role of individuals in demonstrating Christ-likeness at work, offering a tangible representation of the gospel to those who may never step into a church. By realizing the significance of work in loving and serving others, individuals can embody their faith in the daily workplace environment.
Empowering Individuals for Whole Life Discipleship
Tom advocates for churches to equip and empower members for their roles in the marketplace. He encourages pastors to visit congregants at work, understand their challenges, and provide support for whole life discipleship. By nurturing a culture that values and integrates faith into Monday work, churches can bridge the gap between Sunday worship and weekday responsibilities, fostering a holistic approach to Christian living.
In this episode we hear from Tom Nelson, pastor, and founder of Made to Flourish, an organization that empowers pastors and their churches to integrate faith, work, and economic wisdom for the flourishing of their communities. Tom eloquently shares why the work we do is both holy and an essential form of worship. This essay is a necessary reminder of what each of us carry as salt and light in the communities we serve, and in our workplaces.