CREATIVE THESIS

 

A familiar exhortation during my Bible college days was the challenge to consider the call of God upon your life. That usually included a challenge to become a preacher, a missionary, or perhaps a Christian school teacher. Although it was never stated, the implication remained that anyone outside of those occupations had missed God’s call.

A recent DMin study by one of my former students seeks to address that unstated implication. Tim Graf has written a thesis titled “Theological Insights Regarding the Theology of Vocation.” His research was completed under the direction of Dr. Dave Burggraff at Shepherds Theological Seminary.

Tim writes out of his own experience as a bi-vocational pastor. The discussion of theology of vocation as it relates to calling is only a small part of the entire project. He shares Biblical insight into the theology of work. Historical attitudes regarding vocation are investigated.  The study also includes common erroneous views of the churches’ attitude toward man and work.

The chapter on the Theology of Vocation begins with a discussion of the work of God and then provides a Biblical basis for how mankind is designed for and expected to work as well.

This topic deserves serious consideration by both churches and pastors. If you are interested in reading the thesis or discussing its implications with the author, I have permission from Tim to give you his email address. Please avail yourself of this opportunity to consider a vital question for today’s church.

Tim’s address is: pastortimgraf@yahoo.com