Vocation is a confusing and controversial word in Christian circles today. It is used to describe an
individual's calling by God to a particular type of work. In most churches the idea of vocation is restricted to people like ministers, missionaries and monks, which can make those with secular jobs or unpaid responsibilities feel like second-rate citizens. They get the impression that it is only their input to church activities which is really valued; what they do Monday to Friday is largely irrelevant.

Not surprisingly, some lay people react strongly against this mindset. They see their weekday work as a crucial part of their Christian discipleship. And certain occupations, like training and medicine, are sometimes included in the word "vocation". But where does this leave people who work in commerce and industry, the public sector and much more besides? Does God call
them, or simply leave their to their own devices?

There again, some would argue that the idea of vocation should be separated from work altogether. Is there biblical justification for speaking about it in any other sense than a calling to be Christians? Were the Reformers justified in extending the idea to include the maid doing her housework and the magistrate executing justice?

For many Christians the issue of vocation is not just theoretical but intensely personal and practical. How do I know what God is wanting me to do? Does God approve of the particular sphere of work where I am employed? Is pursuing an ambitious career path inherently sinful?

These and related questions will be the focus of attention at a 24-hour conference at Ridley Hall,
scheduled for June 19-20 1998. Four speakers who have given considerable time and thought to the theory and practice of vocation will provide plenty of lively stimulus. There will be plenty of opportunities for discussion both in plenary and in small groups.

The aim of the conference is to help Christians to come to a clearer understanding of the idea of vocation: to affirm them in their everyday jobs and activities, and to challenge them to see these as God?s work. It is designed to include people across the whole range of working experience.

The Ridley Hall Foundation has a proven record in running seminars and conferences for business people in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. These take place in the attractive surroundings of Ridley Hall Theological College in Cambridge. The programme is set in the context of worship. Participants are welcome to attend either on a residential or a non-residential basis.

Friday 19 June

6.00 pm - Registration

7.00 pm - Buffet Supper

8.00 pm - Introduction followed by The Biblical View of Calling

Revd Dr Steve Walton, Lecturer in New Testament, St John's College, Nottingham
What does the Bible, in particular the New Testament, actually say on the subject?
A survey of the biblical use of the word "call", set in a wider theological context.

 

Saturday 20 June

7.50 am - Breakfast

8.15 am - Morning Worship

9.00 am - Worldly Vocation: A Historical Overview

Dr Richard Higginson, Director, Ridley Hall Foundation
How have Christians understood the word ?vocation? down the centuries? A historical overview, with special attention to the development of the concept from the Reformers onwards.

10.00 am - Group Discussion:

Profession, vocation, trade - where does my occupation belong?

10.45 am - Coffee

11.15 am - A Calling in the City: A Contradiction in Terms?

Mr Stephen Green, Executive Director, Investment Banking and Markets, HSBC Holdings plc.
There are certain types of job which Christians hesitate to associate with the word "calling". Here the City is taken as representative of many who feel their work is questioned because of money-making or other associations.

12.15 am - Group Discussion:

Vocation and ambition - is there a creative tension between the two?

1.00 pm - Lunch

2.00 pm - Discerning our Vocation: Choosing and God's will

Mr Peter Curran, Senior Personnel Officer, BP Exploration
It is not always easy to know what sort of work God is calling us to. Today's
insecure job climate seems to add to the problem. An exploration of the different
ways in which God guides us, with particular attention to Christian character.

3.00 pm - Group Discussion:

Clarifying personal issues - where is God leading me?

3.45 pm - Tea

4.15 pm - Closing Worship

Relevant books written by the speakers will be available for purchase, including:

Steve Walton, A Call to Live: Vocation for Everyone, Triangle, 1994.

Richard Higginson, Called to Account: Adding Value in God's World, Eagle, 1993.

Richard Higginson, Mind the Gap: Connecting Faith with Work, CPAS, 1997.

Stephen Green, Serving God? Serving Mammon?, Marshall Pickering, 1996.

Peter Curran, Handling Redundancy, Grove Ethical Studies no. 99, 1995.

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