Dear {first},
As New Yorkers, there are many moments when we wonder, “What am I doing with my life? Where am I?” Some of us are in love with where we are. We love living and working here. And some of us are moments from unraveling, trying depserately to get to our next vacation.
A biblical concept of calling is rooted in the God who calls. We often think about calling in terms of discovering the answer to the question, "What am I supposed to do with my life?" But from a biblical perspective, our calling exists because we have a God who calls out to us. When we begin to discern the voice of the one actively calling out to us, we deepen in our understanding of two particular things: a secure sense of our identity and a renewed sense of our purpose.
This idea of calling is not a static principle meaning once you figure it out you’re set for the rest of your life. If it were only that simple. We all find out the hard way that calling is something that’s organic and dynamic. It’s always changing because our life circumstances are always changing. People leave their jobs. People get fired. People quit. New relationships, new jobs, marriage, sometimes kids. These variables are constantly changing our sense of calling and the ability to hear and discern God’s voice is absolutely critical because it’s rooted in the God who continues to speak to us.
This is what we have explored this year: the complexities of living out your calling in NYC with all its nuances and challenges. And we find we must come to a point of decision – Do we die to ourselves? Because in that death we begin to find the fullness of life that extends far beyond what we could envision in our own human imaginations, and we begin to experience the fullness that God desires for his people, not for our own blessing, but for the sake of blessing those around us and the city that he loves.
Sincerely,
David H. Kim, Executive Director, Center for Faith & Work
EXPERIENCE
CALLING, A YEAR IN REVIEW
This year at CFW, we focused our programming around the biblical concept of calling which is rooted in the reality that there is a God who calls. Check out video and audio resources from our events throughout the ministry year and our year in review at a glance. More>
RECOMMENDED SUMMER READINGS
As the weather warms and summer begins, we know many in the city seek ways to rejuvenate and rest in order to refocus their priorities. Consider utilizing some of our CFW Resources to reenergize your mind and your spirit toward a gospel-centered approach to your work. Plan your summer reading list with vocation-specific recommendations or our curated reading list around this year's theme of calling. More>
CFW ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE PROPOSAL ON THE THEME OF GIVENNESS
Data scientist Jane Adams explains the inspiration behind her project proposal on the theme of Givenness which will comprise data art installations using turnstile data published by the MTA. "The systems in which we participate in our daily lives make sense only through our participation. They do not control us or ordain what will be for us, they are us." More>
EXPLORE
GRACE, JUSTICE, & MERCY: AN EVENING WITH BRYAN STEVENSON & REV. TIM KELLER
In an age of mass incarceration and growing racial tension, how can a church committed to the flourishing of a whole city engage as ambassadors of reconciliation and restoration? Bryan Stevenson & Tim Keller will help us explore ways to sustain hope through a grace filled pursuit of justice and mercy as they draw from their own calling and work. More>
