iii.Callings

The universal call to salvation (see Vocation to Salvation) reveals and points to the vocation grounded in one’s creation; the call to be before God (see Vocation and Creation). Given that vocation is as broad and deep as creation itself, chaplaincy has a responsibility to raise the general question of vocation for all members of the university, students and staff alike. Within this broad and necessary purview, however, chaplains will also find themselves seeking to support those who explicitly desire to place themselves within a Christian frame of reference when considering the relationship between their identity and their purpose.

Whilst the vocation to salvation is singular (see Vocation to Salvation), both the manner and content of one’s call to serve the community of faith varies, and it is important that no one should imagine that the call to ministry (in its broadest sense) assumes one simple, standard pattern. Encouraging people to examine the extraordinary range of biblical callings, perhaps by means of a ‘vocations group’, is one way underline that our callings are an individual matter. Here are some passages that could profitably be examined.

Call of Individuals

• The reluctant: Moses (Exodus 3:1-15) & Jeremiah (1:4-10)
• The enthusiastic: Isaiah (6:1-8)
• The unexpected: Ruth (1:1-end)
• The insignificant: Mary (Luke 1:26-38)
• The inexplicable: The Disciples (Mark 1:16-20)
• The dramatic: Paul (Galatians 1:11-24; Acts 9:1-22)
• From individual charisma to Office holder: (1 Tim 3:1-13)

The Range of Callings

• Ephesians 4:11-13
• Romans 12:3-8

There is also a need, perhaps, to demonstrate that the particular vocation to the priesthood (especially if the chaplain is ordained) is grounded in the more fundamental participation of all Christians in the primary priesthood of Christ, which itself consummates and thereby transforms earlier notions in the Hebrew Bible. Thus a third category of passages might be added.

The Priesthood of Christ and of all believers

• Hebrews 5:1-10; 9:11-14
• 1 Peter 2:9,10

Finally some generic questions can be useful to sharpen the focus for participants in such a group. I have found the following four helpful.

• Does my call to salvation shape the way I live?
• What possibilities of living excite me, frighten me, or leave me unmoved?
• Who has God made me to me?
• Have you sought God’s response to your own answers to these questions?