Kingdom Calling, by Amy Sherman

I have long admired Amy Sherman, both for her insightful writing and for her practical experience in social ministry.  Her practical experience and her research come together in Kingdom Calling: Vocational Stewardship for the Common Good.  More than just another book about Christians in the marketplace, Dr. Sherman wants the reader to understand his or her vocation as a means to extending the Kingdom of God.

Sherman directs Kingdom Calling primarily to pastors and ministry leaders, in hopes that rather than viewing vocation as something incidental or secondary to the "real" work of the Christian life, pastors will support their flock in directing them to see their "secular" careers as outlets of service.  Sherman talks about finding our "vocational sweet spot," where God's priorities, the world's needs, and the individual's passions and gifts intersect.

Kingdom Calling can be a great tool for church leaders, especially those who have a hard time leading professionals in their congregation into meaning service that utilizes their gifts.  It can also be enlightening for career guidance, as many who want to serve God have a mindset that views traditional church-based ministries as the only way to serve God whole-heartedly.

Sherman provides a large number of examples from a wide variety of occupations, yet her examples and arguments apply best to professional, entrepreneurial, and creative occupations.  I don't see a lot here for someone who works in a low-level job in a large corporation, in the service industries, in manufacturing.  She makes some nods in their direction, but a reader in one of those groups might be left thinking he needs to find something else to do if he wants to participate in a kingdom calling.

Nevertheless, Kingdom Calling is a great resource.  If you have always had a feeling that there is more to being a Christian in the workplace than having integrity and witnessing to your coworkers, Sherman, while certainly affirming that understanding, will expand your understanding of living out your vocation in the Kingdom.