Vocation

May 31, 2018

Want to ‘change the world’? Embrace the glories of economic scale

As the latest crop of college graduates enters the workforce, many are coming fully loaded with grandiose plans for “social transformation,” “giving back to their communities,” and “making a difference.” Unfortunately, such phrases have become slippery slogans based on a cultural imagination that is far too narrow in its basic assumptions. Continue Reading...

May 02, 2018

Beyond vocational hierarchies: Evangelism, social justice, and Christian mission

Throughout my conservative evangelical upbringing, I was routinely encouraged to follow the call of the “five-fold ministry,” whether from the pulpit in weekly church services or the prayer altars of summer youth camps. Continue Reading...

April 24, 2018

A lonely nation: Restoring true community in an age of individualism

Given the rise of social media and our expansive interconnectedness from globalization, one would think that our social bonds would be stronger than ever. With such an abundance of ways to connect and engage, trade and exchange, how could it possibly be otherwise? Continue Reading...

April 18, 2018

Co-laboring and co-creating with the most high God

“My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working.” -John 5:17 As the faith-work movement continues to grow across modern evangelicalism, many Christians are gaining renewed perspectives on the meaning and dignity of daily work. Continue Reading...

March 27, 2018

Toward a Godly globalization

Globalization is routinely decried for its disruptive effects, particularly as it relates to the health of our social relationships and community enterprises and institutions. Even as it’s proven to drive significant economic growth, questions remain about its steamrolling influence on the culture and society. Continue Reading...

March 23, 2018

The new middle: BMW joins the apprenticeship renaissance

I recently highlighted the rise of hands-on vocational training in educational institutions across the State of Colorado, wondering whether such developments might signal the beginning of an apprenticeship renaissance in the United States. Continue Reading...

March 15, 2018

The broom prophet: Lessons from a craftsman on sanctified work

Throughout its history, the American economy has transitioned from agrarian to industrial to information-driven. In turn, “work with the hands” has become less and less common, replaced by widespread automation and a host of intangible services. Continue Reading...

March 14, 2018

Teaching and learning for a free and virtuous society

Once upon a time I was a teacher. A regular ‘according-to-Holye’ teacher of English, History, Government, and Economics in public high schools. The reasons I am no longer a teacher are relatively simple and boring. Continue Reading...

March 09, 2018

Vocation vs. occupation: Embracing the breadth of ‘full-time ministry’

Christians have routinely embraced a range of false dichotomies when it comes to so-called “full-time ministry,” confining such work to the life and vocation of the pastor, evangelist, or missionary. The implications are clear: Those who enter or leave such vocations are thought to be “entering the work world” or “leaving the ministry,” whether for business, education, government, or otherwise. Continue Reading...

February 28, 2018

Work as flourishing in prison: The power of a ‘triple bottom line’ business

For much of his life, Pete Ochs was a successful investment banker in Wichita, Kansas. Yet having started his own business and created significant wealth through a series of investments, he struggled to see the value and purpose of it all. Continue Reading...

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