Vocation and Responsibility

Steven Garber - Praxis Scholar and Professor of Marketplace Theology and Leadership, Regent College

Steven Garber asks the hard questions of sustainability.

Praxis Scholar Steven Garber has made a life's work of understanding how people sustain their vocational energy and integrity over the long haul. In this meditation on vocation and responsibility, he explains and illustrates how meaningful lives are sustained by paying attention to the health of our worldview, our mentors, and our community.

 

HOSTING OFFLINE?

 

OPEN IN PRAYER

 

WATCH (24 min)

REFLECT (3-5 min)

Spend five minutes in silence, praying and reflecting on the videos. Ask participants to jot down questions that were raised, significant key points, where they felt encouraged or challenged by the Lord, etc.

DISCUSS (40 min)

1. What do you know? That is, in what areas of life have you gained some experience that is valuable to you and others?

2. What models or moral exemplars energize you as you discern your vocation? (Mentors, friends, loved ones, authors, public figures etc.)

3. “The secret of man is the secret of his responsibility.” How does this quote by Havel resonate with you? What responsibilities do you actually have today? Are you faithful in those?

4. What dreams has God placed upon your heart?

5. What sort of community is required to sustain you in your vocation, who will help you answer the question, “What am I going to do with what I know?” and demonstrate mutuality, accountability and encouragement? How are you contributing to that community?

PROTOTYPE (3 min)

Determine one small step towards fulfilling a dream that God has placed upon your heart and what community you would like to commit yourself to in mutuality. Take that step.

END IN PRAYER

FINISHED THIS SESSION?

INcubate

PRAXIS FELLOWS CASE STUDIES:

Our community of practice contains a global portfolio of redemptive business & nonprofit ventures. Each week together as a group or separately at home, watch one or both of the following five-minute pitch videos. Discuss where you saw aspects of the week’s topic lived out in and/or through the venture.

  • Nonprofit: Service Never Sleeps works to transform communities by mobilizing young professionals to combat pressing social justice issues through service and civic engagement.

  • Business: Treehouse is a home design and performance company with a focus on health, sustainability, quality, and responsibility.

SUGGESTED READING:

Do you have a story to share?