The Calling – A Growing Interest in Vocation

I’ve been watching a documentary on PBS called The Calling. It follows “seven young religious students — Muslim, Catholic, Evangelical Christian, and Jewish — who are on a dramatic journey as they train to become the next generation of professional clergy.” While the documentary is focused on professional clergy, the concept has been expanded to allow people of any occupation to share stories on the companion site http://www.whatsyourcalling.org/. You can read stories from Jazz musicians to social workers.

The Calling is not only an interesting look at the various ways professional clergy are formed in differing religious traditions, but it is another example of the seemingly growing interest in the concept of vocation. While vocation is a part of our Lutheran theological heritage, in the past few years, secular and evangelical voices have had more to say on the topic. Maybe it’s time to jump into the conversation. If you are watching The Calling as well, share your reactions, thoughts on vocation, or insights gained about clergy training in the comment section of this post.

Link to The Calling on PBS: http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/calling/

The Calling on iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/tv-season/the-calling/id405308511

Related posts

Theological Symposium – Call for Papers

Theological Symposium - Call for Papers


Theological Symposium - Call for Papers

The Theological Symposium committee invites proposals for open sectionals for the 33rd Annual Theological Symposium, September 19-20, 2023, at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. The title this year is “Church and Society: Living by Hope in a Secular Age.”

Anatomy of a Sermon: “Gazing on the Beauty of the Lord” by David Schmitt

Anatomy of a Sermon: “Gazing on the Beauty of the Lord” by David Schmitt


Anatomy of a Sermon: “Gazing on the Beauty of the Lord” by David Schmitt

For almost three decades Professor David Schmitt has been teaching the art and the heart of preaching to apprentice preachers at Concordia Seminary. This particular sermon was preached in the chapel at Concordia Seminary for the dedication of new stained-glass windows. Like a master weaver, Schmitt creatively combined the four threads of discourse to deliver a custom-made tapestry for the benefit of all who had gathered.

Join us for the 2023 Multiethnic Symposium

Join us for the 2023 Multiethnic Symposium


Join us for the 2023 Multiethnic Symposium

The Multiethnic Symposium will explore the changing landscape of immigration in the United States – and the unique opportunity Christians have to share the Gospel with people from all nations. Register today!

Leave a comment