What Is My Calling?
A Biblical and Theological Exploration of Christian Identity
About
Many people are confused about God's call on their lives. What does it mean to have a calling? Is everyone called to something? This book clears up the confusion and articulates a whole-life vision for calling.
According to William Klein and Daniel Steiner, our calling is not a mystery waiting to be discovered but a gift already given through a relationship with Christ: we are called to faithfulness in Christ in every dimension of our lives. The authors defend a thoroughly biblical and theological understanding of calling, empowering Christians to live faithfully as God's people in whatever circumstances they find themselves.
Contents
Introduction
1. The Landscape of Calling
2. Looking in the Rearview Mirror: Calling and Vocation throughout Church History
3. Calling in the Bible
4. Cross-Examining the Uses of Calling Language
5. Constructing a Theological Map for Calling
6. The Road Ahead: Embracing Our Calling
Indexes
Endorsements
"We have long needed a careful reconsideration of the ways the term 'call' is used, one that addresses both experiential and biblical realities. Klein and Steiner's book should be in every Christian's hands, whether one is searching for their 'call' or resigned to its absence. Countering the individualism and workaholism embedded in modern definitions of 'calling,' Klein and Steiner remind us that, biblically, we are called to Christ and Christlikeness, to be the people of God. From that calling, we live every aspect of our lives wholly, no matter our circumstances."
Mariam Kamell Kovalishyn, associate professor of New Testament, Regent College
"This is the most biblically rooted and practical treatment of calling I have read. Whether you are a pastor, student, or thoughtful marketplace leader, Klein and Steiner will inspire you toward theological reflection, personal implications, greater freedom, and a deeper sense of stewarding your life as God's called one."
Brian Gray, COO, Denver Institute for Faith & Work
"Like many other Christian notions, 'calling' is plagued by ambiguity. Its popular understanding is imprecise, and the term is often conveniently used to affirm our self-appointed vocations. Without God, a call is merely a task done ostensibly in Christ's name. We cannot handle calling so glibly; it is too essential. Using top-shelf biblical and theological insight, Klein and Steiner provide a gracious and uncompromising course correction. They underline the mission that is common to all believers: God the caller has invited us into fellowship with Christ and commissioned us to glorify him. I commend What Is My Calling? to all who desire biblical and theological clarity on their divine purpose."
Brandon Washington, pastor, The Embassy Church
"The desire to understand one's calling is particularly important for students in Bible colleges and seminaries, so this book is a must-read for their professors and mentors. However, this study shows that calling is also a crucial issue for every believer. Drawing the meaning of calling directly from the New Testament, Klein and Steiner show that our calling is in Christ, and they place it in the context of corporate identity and character rather than in a specific ministry, job, task, or role. They provide relevant and pragmatic applications for living out our call as well as healthy correctives to past and present misunderstandings of calling."
Cynthia Long Westfall, associate professor of New Testament, McMaster Divinity College
"Does God promise to 'call' you if he wants you in ministry? Does one receive a calling to a secular job? What if I have a great opportunity that sounds like something I would enjoy and am good at and that would help the Lord's work, but I have never had the slightest feeling of a calling? Are any of these questions even legitimate when judged by the Bible's usage of the concept of calling? Klein and Steiner draw on years of study and ministry to set the record straight. Their answers should encourage many, many Christians, while challenging some who have spoken wrongly on these matters. This is must-reading for anyone who cares about God's will for their life."
Craig L. Blomberg, Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Denver Seminary
"In an age when many Christians think of 'calling' in a mysterious, individualistic, and job-oriented way, Klein and Steiner bring us back to the essence of biblical calling--believers are called in Christ to be the people of God and to live accordingly before the Lord and in community with one another. Returning to this central sense of calling can be refreshing, life enhancing, and transformative for Christians who struggle with confusion or even the fear that they have missed God's calling for their lives. I heartily recommend this book."
Donald Fairbairn, Robert E. Cooley Professor of Early Christianity, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
The Authors
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William W. Klein
William W. Klein (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is professor emeritus of New Testament interpretation at Denver Seminary in Littleton, Colorado, where he has taught for more than forty years.
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Cambria Steiner Daniel J. Steiner
Daniel J. Steiner (ThM, Denver Seminary) is a leadership coach with Trailhead Coaching. He is also a cohort leader and project mentor with the 5280 Fellowship at the Denver Institute for Faith & Work.
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